Participation at the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF 2026)

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I am pleased to share my participation in the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF), one of the world’s leading government-led forums dedicated to advancing project management, governance, and delivery capability.

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My session at DIPMF focused on governing complex projects in highly interconnected environments. Drawing on my ongoing research, consulting work, and real-world case evidence, the presentation explored why classical governance models often struggle when applied to complex, adaptive project ecosystems.

Using the Kwinana Industrial Area in Western Australia as a case context, the session examined how connectivity, emergence, and sustainability objectives introduce systemic vulnerability and governance tension. Rather than viewing these tensions as problems to eliminate, the presentation reframed them as early signals that can inform adaptive governance design and decision-making.

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The session also introduced a tension-based governance approach, linking complexity assessment, vulnerability, and polarity management to support earlier sensing, deliberate adjustment, and long-term system resilience. The discussion concluded with practical recommendations for industry and policymakers, highlighting future steps for evolving governance frameworks to better support complexity, sustainability, and high-stakes project environments.