As the energy landscape continues to evolve and commercial understanding becomes increasingly critical, Equinor (formerly Statoil) took measures to strengthen internal business understanding. After many years as a trusted partner and learning provider, Specifique was asked to develop a training program aimed at enhancing value creation, market insight, and strategic thinking across disciplines. The project was named Competing in Value Chains (CiVC) and became a cornerstone of the company’s newly launched Commercial Academy.
The initiative was born from a need to build a collective understanding of how value is created within the company, with a focus on value chains across oil, gas, and renewable energy. In a complex market characterised by increasing competition and narrow margins, employees needed to rethink their approach to risk assessment, business modelling, and strategic positioning.
Equinor wanted to create a learning arena that would both engage and challenge employees with realistic dilemmas. The task was therefore to develop a solution that would resonate with technical experts, leaders, and business developers alike, while providing practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Based on the client’s request, we designed a full-day learning program focused on game-based learning, set in a future scenario in Myanmar. Participants competed in teams to develop a new business strategy for the company, working within an investment frame of one billion dollars.
Through realistic cases, the teams were asked to navigate geopolitical uncertainty, changing market prices, the development of business in an unfamiliar country, and complex commercial and ethical dilemmas. The group work was built around a physical game board with maps and decision cards, supported by digital tools for decision-making processes and stakeholder mapping.
Specifique developed the entire learning design and delivered both the visual interface, pedagogical structure, and supplementary materials such as videos and case descriptions. We provided facilitation during pilots, trained internal facilitators, and supported the execution of the full program. In close collaboration with the Equinor project team, all content and learning goals were tailored to fit their strategic needs. By combining business understanding, storytelling, and pedagogy, we created a unique and highly relevant learning experience.
Following the workshops, participants reported high engagement, improved awareness of their role in value creation, and better insight into how business decisions are influenced by both profitability and sustainability. The tools and methods developed have since been integrated into Equinor’s Commercial Academy as a key component in building internal capabilities within new markets.
The CiVC project demonstrates how group-based learning can bridge strategy, culture, and competence development. For us at Specifique, it is a clear example of how we contribute when our clients need to foster understanding, collaboration, and momentum for change.
