“Capabilities for delivering projects in the context of societal development (CaProSoc)”

in an

International Research Programme 2020-2030

on the subject of

"Capabilities for delivering projects in the context of societal development (CaProSoc)”

Situation:

In recent years, both the number and importance of projects for the development of our society have increased significantly. In the project management research this trend is called “projectification” and researchers such as Rolf Lundin already foresee a “project society”. Projects are a means of resolving complex challenges, and as our society is faced with many challenges, such as climate change, global risks, poverty, urbanization and migration, capabilities for delivering projects on all levels of society seems to be in need for the good of society. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations are setting the bar high for all parties involved in decision making and execution of projects. Even the smallest projects help to further develop communities, which in turn has an effect on society as a whole. Beyond that, the society in whose context projects are implemented has an effect on the way projects are implemented. These interactions are still largely unexplored. But what´s serious, far too many projects are still failing, are running out of time and budget, or are clearly missing their original development goals. Project management was developed in the business world and has achieved amazing results there, now we believe it is necessary to achieve the same results in the context of societal development.

Vision:

All actors involved in societal development are aware of the role of projects, the capabilities needed to implement projects sustainably and how they can be used effectively in their respective contexts for the benefit of society.

Mission:

Through this international research programme, it will be aspired to forming a global collaboration network of researchers and practitioners from institutions which share similar responsibilities for delivering projects in the context of societal development with the aim of:

-      exploring, analysing, researching - the situation, requirements and potential solutions

-      sharing, discussing, recognising - experiences, cases and international best practices

-      co-creating, developing, innovating - concepts, knowledge and practical applications

-      applying, utilizing, sustaining - pilot applications, concepts and customized solutions

-      informing, lobbying, publishing – research findings, solutions and information services

Expected results:

Through this international research programme, it is expected to achieve following results:

- Mutually beneficial networking and cooperation between researchers and practitioners, who share similar responsibilities and take care for the development of society

-      Scientific papers, White Papers, articles in periodicals, social media and magazines

-      Case studies, survey reports, insights into specific practices and best practice sharing

-      Internet platform with open access to results of the research network and beyond

-      Recognition of research results through international research awards (e.g. by IPMA), so as other awards tied to societal development

-      Publications in the context of working on a Ph.D., Master (and Bachelor) thesis