Research and Innovation

Digitalization and decarbonization

In a fast-changing world, characterised by escalating geopolitical and environmental risk, we see an urgent and growing need for our role in stimulating innovative solutions and in setting standards for safe and sustainable operations.

DNV GL continues to invest 5% of its revenues in strategic research, technology development and innovation efforts. Digitalization and decarbonization are the two megatrends defining this era of speed and complexity. Together, they are driving a relentless quest for efficiencies, and that in turn creates a growing need to ensure that efficiency gains do not compromise safety.

Group technology and research

Our long-term research programmes are intended to help prepare our customers and ourselves for the future by generating new knowledge in key technology areas that have a long-term impact
on the industries we serve.
 
We constantly evaluate the impact of our findings on our customers and their markets, and tailor our research programmes to respond to developing trends. Current research activities are directed towards facilitating sustainable, integrated energy solutions, mastering digital technologies and facilitating safe, secure and efficient operation of cyber physical systems as well as exploring future profitable business and delivery models.
 
The present research portfolio includes programmes on:
 
  • Maritime – research and innovation that contributes to safer, smarter and greener shipping, while preparing DNV GL for future developments in technology and regulations
  • Oil and Gas – helping to position DNV GL at the forefront of risk-based and model-centric services on a system level
  • Power and Renewables – building competence, methods and tools to achieve competitive advantage and prepare DNV GL for the future of the rapidly changing energy industry
  • Precision medicine – developing knowledge, technologies, and business models that contribute to the safe and sustainable clinical implementation of precision medicine to improve the quality of care for the benefit of patients
  • Digital assurance – exploring digital technologies to build new positions and competencies, and developing methods and technologies to master the assurance of complex and intelligent systems
  • Ocean space – building knowledge, methods and tools supporting the sustainable management of ocean-based industries
  • Energy transition – help DNV GL and its stakeholders to understand rapid and deep changes in the energy landscape
Most of our research programmes are staffed with experts on assignment from business operations, and all our programmes involve a wide range of collaborative projects leveraging co-funding from a range of sources.

Joint industry projects

DNV GL is leveraging its role as an independent party with no vested interest in proprietary technologies or solutions to lead a range of joint industry projects (JIP). These projects are vital mechanisms, linking the private sector, academia and regulatory authorities in co-creating technological solutions, and global rules, standards and guidelines.

Through 2018, there were close to 100 joint industry projects active across the DNV GL group, focusing primarily on efficiency and safety. Learn more about our latest collaborative projects.

Open Simulation Platform

The Open Simulation Platform initiative progressed during 2018, adding new partners and conducting its first workshops. This JIP is developing an open ecosystem in which stakeholders can share models and digital twin components while protecting their intellectual property rights.
 
The ecosystem will include a virtual yard for assembling models and subsystems into larger systems and entire vessels, and a simulation infrastructure for design, virtual commissioning, troubleshooting, training, operational planning
and change management.

Position papers

The programmes regularly issue position papers to highlight research findings and advance knowledge and progress on safer, smarter and greener operations. During 2018, a dozen
position papers were published and broadly shared with the public.
 
The 2018 Group Technology and Research Review provides a guide to recent position papers, selected research projects, technical competence building activities and our  collaboration with universities. In addition, the review includes a comprehensive publications list. This list includes our comprehensive and well-received 2018 Energy Transition Outlook 2050.
 
Our top three position papers in 2018:

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