- An asset for industry: Developing synergies and efficiencies with records managers across the industry to assist future exploration, development and re-developments by offering previously unavailable material concerning the exploration and production of hydrocarbons from the United Kingdom Continental Shelf.
- Recognition: Oil and gas is a vital industry and crucial to the British economy; the UK is one of the largest producers in the world. It generates billions of pounds in revenue annually, and has placed the UK and Scotland at the forefront of offshore engineering and subsea technology. We intend to create a full and accurate history that embraces the achievements of the industry, encouraging a wider appreciation and understanding of its central contribution to life in the UK.
- Recruitment: CTE will stimulate interest in careers in the industry, which offers opportunities for decades to come.
- Selective record retention: Often, the significance of developments is only recognised long after the event, by which time most of the records, the primary evidence, has been lost. Vast quantities of records are created but when fields or businesses cease production or are sold to new owners, they are at risk of destruction. CTE promotes the retention of the most significant records to provide a continuing source of information and knowledge management for the oil and gas industry.
- Realising a historic asset: Full and complete records will increase research opportunities and enhance education programmes for the industry and for the wider community. The University offers a wide variety of postgraduate courses that are centred on oil and gas, covering a number of disciplines such as engineering, economics, law and physical sciences.
- The industry already provides financial backing for courses, work experience placements for students and employment opportunities for graduates. The archive would further strengthen the University's links to the sector and provide a valuable tool for research and teaching. A rich collection of primary material would attract PhD and Masters students and encourage them to consider a career in the industry.