__Abstract__
This chapter analyses the conditions under which the Surinamese State Oil Company (Staatsolie) has been consolidated, not only as a firm oriented at the production of oil, but also as a development agent. Staatsolie’s chances to success seemed rather slim at its creation in the beginning of the 1980s, mainly because of the non-developmental, patrimonial character of Surinamese politics and the nature of Suriname’s state, which has traditionally been oriented toward patronage and clientelism.
The chapter documents the origins of Staatsolie and focuses on its commitment to the acquisition and further development of technological and managerial expertise. It is argued that Staatsolie has become a true pocket of effectiveness: it ranks among the most successful companies in Suriname and its contributions to the economy of this small middle-income country are considerable.
The success of Staatsolie’s attempt to become a development agent is attributed, in particular, to the company’s double strategy. The internal part of this strategy, deri
