UCL partners with global consultancy to strengthen evidence for infrastructure pipeline

The research in Production Planning and Control explores how UK infrastructure organisations can progress beyond short-term, transactional project relationships to build strategic, long-term partnerships. Using Relational Exchange Theory, the research introduces a seven-part framework tested across four major national projects, including Sellafield’s Project & Programme Partners and Anglian Water’s @one Alliance.

The findings highlight how collaborative behaviours, shared goals and innovative relationship management practices can drive stronger partnerships and improve project outcomes.

Dr Ilias Krystallis, Associate Professor and Programme Lead for UCL’s Strategic Management of Projects MSc at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction said: “Major projects often fail to deliver their full potential when relationships are treated as transactional. By working with MIGSO-PCUBED and our industry partners, we’re showing how relationship-focused approaches can create lasting value, not only for organisations but for society as a whole.”

Building on the academic findings, MIGSO-PCUBED has launched a Strategic Relationship Maturity Assessment — a tool that helps organisations assess their collaboration practices and identify opportunities to strengthen critical partnerships. This forms part of a broader suite of resources, including relationship risk assessments, heat maps and workshops, to support teams in embedding effective partnership behaviours.

Martina Huemann, Professor in Project Leadership and Society, and Policy Lead said:  "This is an excellent example of co-creating innovative  knowledge between UCL academics, industry partners  and policy. We look forward to more collaborative work in the future."

The collaboration demonstrates how UCL applies knowledge exchange at scale. In the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), UCL maintained its position as a leading UK institution in research partnerships, work with business, and engagement with the public and third sectors.

David Whitmore, MIGSO-PCUBED’s lead on the project, said: “The relationship with UCL is very important to us. Combining deep academic insights with our broad project experience enhances our understanding of complex collaboration challenges. The Strategic Relationship Maturity Assessment is one outcome of this — and we’re already looking forward to the next phase of research.”