The official kick-off meeting for the Sustainable Project Management through PM² (SPM²) project took place on December 10–11, 2024, at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia. This milestone event brought together an international consortium of leading academic institutions, industry experts, and project management organisations to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at integrating sustainability into project management education across Europe.
A Vision for Sustainable Project Management
The SPM² project is a forward-thinking initiative designed to align project management education with Europe’s green transition goals. By adapting the European Commission’s PM² Methodology, the project introduces sustainability-focused tools, curricula, and micro-credentials that empower professionals and students to lead eco-conscious projects while addressing global environmental challenges.
The primary objectives of the project include:
- Developing a comprehensive SPM² Guide and Digital Hub featuring tools, templates, and case studies for sustainable project management.
- Creating an innovative curriculum and micro-credential system that aligns with industry demands for green skills and enhances career mobility.
- Establishing accessible digital resources to support lifelong learning and skill development in sustainability-focused project management.
Highlights from the Kick-Off Meeting
The two-day meeting in Novi Sad was an opportunity for consortium partners to align their strategies, set clear objectives, and finalize the roadmap for the project’s implementation. Key discussions focused on the development of the SPM² Guide, curriculum design, and strategies for stakeholder engagement and dissemination.
Participants also explored how the SPM² project aligns with the EU Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing its potential to drive impactful change in education and workforce development.
The SPM² Consortium
The success of the project relies on the collective expertise and collaboration of its esteemed partners:
- University of Novi Sad (Serbia) – Project Coordinator
- University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow (Poland)
- University of Thessaly (Greece)
- European Academy (Latvia)
- Advise Institute (Serbia)
- PM² Alliance (Belgium)
- Scientific Events – PM² Center (Greece)
Next Steps
Following the productive discussions at the kick-off meeting, the SPM² consortium will begin working on developing the project’s deliverables, including the digital resource hub, curriculum framework, and micro-credential system. The consortium will also initiate stakeholder consultations to ensure that project outputs meet real-world needs and industry expectations.
The meeting was a crucial first step in what promises to be an impactful project, paving the way for a more sustainable approach to project management education across Europe.
Stay tuned for updates on the SPM² project as it unfolds. Together, we’re shaping the future of project management to meet the challenges of a greener, more sustainable world.
