Main directions for the transition of the oil and gas industry to the sixth technological structure in the Caspian region

   Background. At early evolutionary stages, human societies were characterized by a low level of technological development, therefore referred to as pre-industrial societies. The production process was associated with simple inventions and was based on the muscular strength of animals and humans. The Industrial Revolution marked the advent of industrial societies, the development of which undergoes “technological waves”, or “technological structures”. In total, five “technological structures” can be defined in the evolution of the oil and gas complex in the Caspian region. At present, the oil and gas industry of the countries forming the Caspian region has reached the verge of the sixth technological structure. In this work, the author investigates the prospects and possibilities of an accelerated transition to the sixth technological structure.   Aim. To outline the main directions for the transition of the oil and gas industry in the Caspian region to the sixth technological structure.   Materials and methods. The methods of retrospective, graphical, statistical, system-structural analysis were used.   Results. The main directions for the development of geological exploration, production and processing in the Caspian region were identified, the implementation of which could support the transition to the sixth technological structure.