Concept programme will develop knowledge that contribute to better concept selection, resource utilisation, and effects of large state investments. The programme emphasises the early phase of projects, from when the first idea emerges to when the decision on final financing is made. The programme's activities is divided into two main areas, which reflects the two goals that the Finance ministry has set for Concept. 

Goal 1: Development of the QA scheme

Concept programme will assist the Ministry of Finance in acquiring experience with projects under the QA scheme and to assess the effects of the quality assurance scheme. This includes to develop tools and methodology, and perform independent appraisals and evaluations.

Goal 2: Knowledge development 

While project management is a mature profession, front-end management is still in an early stage of development. The former is about the project itself, the latter about the project in society, and hence less technical/management and more economy/social science. This is where the most important decisions are made. The Concept is in the forefront in this field of research. International cooperation is a concern. We shall publish internationally, an host an international symposium on project governance every second year. The basis for research is empirical data from projects that undergo external quality assurance under the QA scheme. Data are saved and stored in the database Trailbase, and represents wealth of information of increasing significance and value.

More about our research activities here.