Setting the Stage for ESG-Driven Project Management Transformation

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As the first flagship output of the ESG4PMChange project, this report lays the analytical and strategic foundation for integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into project management education and professional practice across Europe.

In response to policy shifts such as the European Green Deal and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)—and the growing demand for sustainability-skilled professionals—this report explores how ESG is reshaping the future of project work.

🔍 What’s Inside?

1. Mapping the ESG Landscape in Project Management
A comprehensive desk review clarifies overlaps and distinctions between ESG and Sustainable Project Management (SPM), analyzing how ESG is being embedded into practice across sectors. It also outlines relevant European and global policy frameworks.

2. Labor Market Trends & Competency Demands
An analysis of 191 job advertisements across 26 countries reveals the most in-demand ESG skills for project roles—highlighting both technical and soft skill gaps across key industries.

3. Survey Insights on Skill Gaps and Training Needs
An online survey of professionals validates a growing mismatch between ESG-related job demands and current training offerings, especially in the context of sector-specific applications.

4. Stakeholder Perspectives to Inform Curriculum Design
Focus groups with HEIs, VET providers, and industry experts confirm the need for practical, interdisciplinary, and institutionally supported ESG education. These insights directly inform the design of upcoming competency frameworks and learning programs.

Why It Matters

This report provides the evidence base for:
✔️ ESG Project Management Competency Framework (D2.2)
✔️ Competency-Oriented Curriculum Model (D2.3)
✔️ Capacity-building activities across the ESG4PMChange  ecosystem

Status: Completed – Full Report Available

You can access and read the full deliverable here: