I think if we made a list of companies in this industry (which has always been fueled by innovations), Marathon Oil would be among the last on that list given how innovative they are.
There are also less innovative companies, I'm sure, but I don't understand why there are almost no innovations in this one anymore? As if there is no incentive at all.
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Miscible Gas Injection in shale plays was actually developed by a Marathon R&D manager. It was her doctoral thesis (which she earned on MROs dime), and was tested in the Bakken where it failed miserably. Fast forward a couple of years to late 2014 and MRO decided to try it in the EF with huge success...a huff and puff operation lead to recovery rates increasing from 25bbls/d on rod pump to over 400bbls/d free flowing. The project ended up being scrapped until word got out that EOG and ConocoPhillips had adopted the process...
So innovation does happen, it's just not recognized well where it needs to be.
Everytime I suggested a new idea or an improvement for an outdated process I was told “that’s not the Marathon way”. I couldn’t be happier that I never have to hear anyone say that again.
I thought blue jeans every day was pretty innovative.
Hopefully you were one of the laid off, because your poor attitude is not welcome at MRO. Good riddance!
I applaud Marathon's innovation being a leader in the hybrid model office environment where half return to the office and the other half are laid off.
I agree with the others. Go work somewhere else. Perhaps you’ll find that it’s not Marathon that is lacking. I’m sure if you’re innovative and possess the skills to advocate for your ideas you will find most companies/managers will be receptive, including Marathon
OneMRO, the cube farm of innovation. The industry better watch.
Marathon has had the benefit of managers throwing people at problems and hoping for the best. If it works? Good. If not? It’s never the managers problem. The problem now? They’ve run out of people to throw at things. Managers are vulnerable for the first time ever.
Then go work elsewhere...
You can always choose to work somewhere else if innovation, or the lack thereof, is so important to you...
Innovations need risk-taking and no-blame culture. it is hard to take risk if you are constantly looking over your shoulder.