In a world where sustainability transitions—long-term changes in socio-technical systems—are becoming ever more pressing, a new paper offers a fresh lens through which to approach these challenges. A study from the University of Manchester [53.5°N, 2.24°W] calls for integrating project management frameworks more deeply into the study and practice of sustainability transitions.
The research highlights how project management, traditionally focused on delivering specific outcomes within a set timeframe, can play a much larger role in enabling sustainability transitions. These transitions, such as shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy, require sustained effort over decades and involve the transformation of entire industries and social systems. Projects, with their structured processes and ability to drive change, can be a key driver in achieving these broader goals.
Reimagining Project Management for a Sustainable Future
One of the key suggestions in the paper is to adapt project management to be more dynamic and flexible, aligning it with the long-term nature of sustainability transitions. Projects can no longer be viewed as isolated endeavours but should be seen as part of a larger system that supports ongoing change. This requires a new understanding of projects as “transition enablers”, contributing to sustainability at multiple levels—be it technological innovation, social change, or policy development.
By bridging the gap between traditional project studies and socio-technical transition research, the authors argue that project managers can become key players in shaping a sustainable future. They propose that future research should focus on the crossovers between these fields, developing new frameworks that empower projects to contribute meaningfully to the large-scale changes necessary for sustainability.
Important implications
Sustainability transitions are essential to tackling global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. Yet, achieving these transitions requires more than just technological advancements—it demands a coordinated effort across multiple sectors and disciplines. Projects, which often serve as the building blocks for larger societal changes, are ideally positioned to facilitate this coordination.
This research opens the door for project managers to take a more active role in driving sustainability, not just by delivering short-term results but by contributing to the long-term transformation of industries and social systems. It’s a call for a new perspective, where projects are seen not just as tools for achieving specific objectives but as catalysts for broader, systemic change.
In summary, this paper argues that the future of project management lies in its ability to enable and accelerate sustainability transitions, making it a vital component in the global effort to build a more sustainable, equitable world.
Source
Frank W. Geels, Giorgio Locatelli, Broadening project studies to address sustainability transitions: Conceptual suggestions and crossovers with socio-technical transitions research, International Journal of Project Management, 2024-10-09
Boˆreal 