Welcome to the Megaprojects Research Group

Megaprojects—large-scale, transformative infrastructure projects—are among the most ambitious undertakings of modern societies. Whether in transport, energy, water, or urban regeneration, these projects are powerful agents of change, shaping economies, environments, and communities for generations. They promise enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and societal progress, yet their delivery is fraught with complexity and uncertainty.

At the Deakin Megaprojects Research Group, we explore the intricate challenges of delivering these large-scale endeavours in dynamic social, institutional, environmental, and economic contexts. Megaprojects operate in a high-stakes environment where competing interests, evolving policy landscapes, technological uncertainties, and financial constraints create a delicate balancing act. From cost overruns and delays to governance failures and contested public legitimacy, these projects often fall short of their initial promises, raising important questions about how they can be better planned, procured, and delivered.

Looking ahead, climate change, rapid population growth, and increasing resource scarcity will only add to the complexity of megaproject delivery. The need for sustainable, resilient, and adaptive infrastructure has never been greater, yet decision-makers must navigate heightened uncertainty, shifting societal expectations, and more stringent environmental and financial constraints. These challenges demand new ways of thinking about how megaprojects are conceived, governed, and executed.