Improving government projects through research.

Over the next few years we know that the project delivery landscape is going to vastly change. We will need to meet new challenges, whilst embracing the opportunities that emerging technologies present. Government is ambitious in its policy and we must be equally ambitious in how we deliver it. The government’s ambitions and the public benefits which come with it, can only be realised if we also revolutionise the way major projects are delivered.

- Nick Smallwood, Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority and Head of Government’s Project Delivery Function

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About Project X

Project X is an ESRC funded research collaboration between government, academia and industry representatives. Our aim is to generate unique insights into the performance of major projects and programmes in Government, insights that can be used to drive continuous improvement in performance and delivery confidence.

We bring together the civil service with academia, external project professionals, professional bodies and other stakeholders to inform, guide and inspire an excellent approach to programme and project delivery through effective use of the insights generated.

Interested in working with us?

Project X’s mission is to improve government projects. This of course includes the private sector partners that advise, support, and deliver government projects.

Our research team have a unique mix of professional and academic experience. Many of our research community are thought leaders in their field and expert advisors to the government and the private sector.

In the past, we have worked with industry partners on specific projects that have examined different ways of improving project delivery. These studies have examined a range of topics from benefits and risk management, leadership, diversity, and value creation.

Project X’s research agenda is constantly evolving as practice evolves and the research needs change.

Who has worked with us in the past?

In the past our academics have worked on projects with Heathrow, Crossrail and Westminster Palace to name a few. We also work closely with several UK Government Departments that include HMRC, NHS, Highways England, Home Office, IPA, MoJ, BEIS and DfT.

How do we partner with industry?

There are a variety of ways that you can work with us: ranging from the exchange of thought leadership to conducting specific research projects big and small. Our research projects are jointly led by academics and practitioners.

Once you have contacted us, we will work with you to connect to the right experts in Project X and together we will develop a scoping and feasibility study. We will provide you with the right experts to exchange ideas with and use the most appropriate skills to undertake research.

How is this funded?

Once a research project passes through the Project X review process, we will work with you to secure the most appropriate funding.

In the past, our work has been funded with the support of industry sponsors, the Association of Project Management, Project Management Institute, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, and the Economic and Social Research Council.