Canadian Institute For Petroleum Industry Development (CIPID)

Abstract During the past several years, leading companies in the Canadian oil patch have increased their involvement in offshore areas. Led by the mid-sized operating companies, this change in focus has been triggered by a relative decline in the quality of opportunities in Western Canada. These new ventures have been closely followed by companies in the service sector and, more recently, by the major pipeline operators. Breaking trail for this trend are the efforts of some low key Canadian institutions, that have been quietly developing relationships in the oil and gas sectors of foreign countries in advance of the need. These relationships are paying off for Canadian private sector operators by providing initial contacts, joint venture partners and, in many cases, opportunities for investment and the sale of goods and services, related to oilfield technology. One such organization is the Canadian Institute for Petroleum Industry Development (CIPID). CIPID organizes training programs for senior executives, consisting of classroom presentations mixed with laboratory, shop and field demonstrations. Our major program is the Summer Program, held this year from June 29 to August 7. Approximately 50 senior executives will spend three weeks with the service sector and governmental agencies in Edmonton and three weeks with head offices and high technology organizations in Calgary. Since 1982, more than 900 leaders and decision-makers have completed the Summer Program and maintained their Canadian connections through the CIPID network. The agenda and schedule of the Summer Program are structured to bring the Institute's international clients into contact with their Canadian counterparts, promote the sale of goods and services and provide a forum for the discussion of opportunities for ventures abroad. The formal elements of the programs are supplemented by a number of social/business activities designed to enhance commercial exchanges between Canadian industry and the international client groups. The program style has been developed over the past 15 years in support of the basic aim, which is the promotion of Canadian technology and management practice. The program begins with a common core module but allows for considerable specialization in either upstream or downstream technologies or the management of petroleum enterprises. The object of the program is to transfer information on best operating practices in oil, gas and petrochemical businesses and to expose the participants to new aspects of North American technology. Specialization within the program provides thorough coverage of the areas of interest as well as a focus on new or emerging technologies. The program emphasizes the use of industry-based instructors to reinforce the practical aspects of the material. A significant feature of the program is a series of organized presentations to the Canadian oil and gas community at the Investment Opportunities Presentation Day, to be held this year on July 23, 1998. The presentations outline the opportunities for Canadian investors, service providers and companies seeking joint venture partners, in the participants' countries. This element has become popular among the participants and in the Canadian community and continues to grow each year.