ADNOC & SLB - Energy Futures Initiative. Pioneering Innovation in Future Talent Development
Authors: Hadil A. , Fatema K. , Chakib K. , Hussein M. , Samat R. 
Published: November 2024

The ADNOC Energy Futures Initiative, co-developed with SLB, aims to revolutionize talent development in the energy industry. Addressing the challenge of equipping a diverse workforce with digital & AI skills, the initiative seeks to foster talent development, technological advancement, sustainability, collaboration through innovative methods.

This program diverges from traditional methods by integrating AI, digital marketplaces, collaborative partnerships, gamified learning, and open innovation. This approach represents an experimentation mindset, where iterative innovation and disruptive strategies are employed to engage and develop talent, creating a competitive edge in the market.

Key strategies include: AI Talent Analytics & Personalized Development: We leverage AI and advanced analytics to offer personalized development plans and learning pathways for ADNOC fresh joiners and existing employees. By providing targeted training and growth opportunities using relevant and modern technology, we enhance skills, foster career progression, and boost talent development in line with ADNOC's strategic objectives.Digital Talent Marketplace: The digital talent marketplace connects young talents with challenging projects across ADNOC's diverse business units, or projects we execute together with our technology partners such as SLB. This platform facilitates cross-functional collaboration, enables talent mobility, and promotes agile skills development to address the dynamic needs of the energy industry.Collaboration with Industry: Building strategic collaborations with leading technology companies, educational institutions, research organizations, and industry pioneers allows us to create a collaborative innovation ecosystem. This exposes young talents within ADNOC to the latest advancements in clean energy and transition technologies, promoting knowledge transfer and industry-leading best practices.Gamification & Virtual Reality: Incorporating elements of gaming and VR technologies into training, we've transformed the learning experience. These immersive and interactive methods make complex concepts more accessible, promoting digital and data science, enhancing problem-solving skills and creativity, especially for fresh graduates.Open Innovation Programs: Our collaboration with technology partners enables us to crowdsource ideas and drive innovation. This approach harnesses diverse talent pools, leading to groundbreaking solutions for challenges in energy transition and promoting a culture of entrepreneurial thinking within ADNOC.

The initiative has led to notable outcomes: Skill Development: 90% of participants among fresh joiners showed enhanced digital skills, accelerating career progression.Innovation Impact: The initiative's collaboration with SLB yielded over 32 innovative solutions, potentially unlocking a tremendous value for ADNOC over three decades.Diversity & Engagement: Increased the proportion of women in key digital roles by 30%, enhancing overall job satisfaction.Awards: Received the prestigious ADIPEC 2023 Award, affirming its impact in workforce development.

This initiative demonstrates the power of collaborative and innovative approaches in workforce development. It highlights the importance of talents in driving industry success and positions ADNOC as a leader in sustainable energy sector transformation. Its achievements in energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and community engagement, alongside significant financial and operational impacts, make it a model for other organizations.