Rosalba is the Technology Director in Baker Hughes for Climate Technology Solutions.
The urgency to combat climate change has led to a growing focus on developing new technologies that can help achieve the 2030 climate goals. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has highlighted the status of required technologies, emphasizing the need for rapid development from low Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) to commercialization.
In this article, we will delve into five key principles as navigational aids to succeed in this exciting and challenging voyage of new technology development
1. Embrace Risk-Taking And Innovation:
Embracing risk-taking and innovation in the development of new low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technology in the climate tech can be likened to a ship that is adjusting the sails to catch the winds of opportunity.
Technology leader plays a crucial role in steering the ship of innovation towards success by providing vision and direction needed to chart a course for the new technology program. She/he brings expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the technological landscape to the table by driving every development and valdation workstreams toward the success.
McKinsey’s article on “Innovation in a crisis” highlights the importance of fostering a culture that encourages experimentation and learning from failures. Amy Edmondson has emphasized the importance of psychological safety in enabling teams to take risks and drive innovation. In the context of climate tech, this means creating a culture that encourages experimentation, welcomes diverse perspectives and values continuous learning.
It’s all about taking calculated risks, learning from failures, and creating a safe space for organizations to drive innovation forward.
2. Leverage Systems Engineering Principles:
Developing new low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technology in the climate tech sector is akin to constructing a complex ship with numerous interconnected pieces. Just as a well-designed ship relies on a comprehensive interconnectedness of components and optimized efficiency to navigate oceans’ challenges, leveraging systems engineering principles is crucial for successfully developing climate tech solutions that involves more a “systems of things” than a single product.
In his book “Thinking in Systems,” Donella Meadows highlights the importance of understanding the intricate relationships and feedback loops within a system. Similarly, Dr. Ellen Williams stresses the need for a systems engineering mindset to tackle climate challenges. She highlights that understanding the interactions between various components and optimizing their integration is key to developing effective and sustainable climate technologies.
Moreover, systems engineering principles enable the identification and mitigation of risks early in the development process. By conducting thorough risk assessments, engineers can anticipate potential challenges and implement appropriate mitigation strategies even more important for low TRL technologies.
By adopting a systems engineering approach, organizations can identify interdependencies, optimize performance and ensure seamless integration of new technologies into existing infrastructure crucial for the successful development of climate tech low TRL programs.
3. Establish A Rigorous Program Management Approach:
Developing new low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technology in the climate tech sector is akin to navigating uncharted waters toward a distant destination. Just as a skilled captain relies on a rigorous navigation system to chart a course and ensure a successful voyage, establishing a rigorous program management approach by setting clear goals and allocating resources effectively, the development of new technologies can stay on course and overcome obstacles.
McKinsey’s article on “Managing large technology programs in the digital era” emphasizes the need for clear objectives, effective stakeholder management and robust governance structures. Establishing a rigorous program management approach is essential for ensuring the successful execution of complex projects. As renowned writer Peter F. Drucker once said, “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.” This quote emphasizes the importance of not only focusing on the execution of tasks but also aligning them with the overall strategic goals.
The program manager, acts as the captain, steering the project toward success by aligning the efforts of engineers, scientists, policymakers and investors. Its strong collaborative effort with the Technology and Product leaders ensures that all aspects of the technology development, from research and development to commercialization and deployment, are well-coordinated and contribute to the achievement of set goals.
4. Prioritize Speed And Scalability:
The urgency of the climate crisis demands rapid deployment of scalable solutions and can be likened to the dynamic nature of a ship in the marine field. Just as a ship’s success often hinges on its ability to swiftly navigate through uncertain water and adapt to changing conditions, prioritizing speed and scalability is crucial in the development of low TRL technology. Designing technologies that can scale efficiently ensures their viability to meet growing demands, much like a ship that can accommodate an expanding cargo.
In his book “The Innovator’s Dilemma,” Clayton Christensen highlights the importance of disruptive technologies that can rapidly scale and outperform existing solutions. Publications such as “Exponential Organizations” by Salim Ismail emphasize the need for organizations to adopt scalable and adaptable frameworks to thrive in rapidly changing environments.
This iterative process enables the identification of potential roadblocks and the incorporation of user feedback, ultimately leading to the development of more effective low-TRL technology.
5. Foster Collaboration And Partnerships:
Collaboration and partnerships are akin to creating a crew that works in harmony. By bringing together diverse expertise, sharing knowledge and cultivating strong collaborations, the development of new technologies can harness collective intelligence and drive progress toward a sustainable future, just as a united and skilled crew enables a ship to navigate challenging passages and reach new horizons.
By fostering collaboration, we can bring together scientists, engineers, policymakers and financiers who have specialized knowledge and experience in different aspects of climate technology. Moreover, partnerships with industry players, research institutions, government agencies and non-profit organizations provide access to funding, infrastructure and regulatory support, creating a conducive environment for the development and deployment of new technologies.
By following these five navigational tips, embracing risks and innovation, leveraging systems engineering principles, establishing a rigorous program management approach, prioritizing speed and scalability and fostering collaboration and partnership, the journey of new technology development can sail towards commercial success, charting a course for a brighter and more sustainable future.
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