Client learning across major infrastructure projects

This chapter explores how procuring agencies can learn from their own projects by studying the decision-making process in previous projects. It contributes to the W118 research and development agenda by deepening the understanding of mechanisms behind the regulation of supply with the construction industry. The chapter focuses on elements influencing project success and reasons why certain client behaviour in procurement situations may be more effective than others. It also contributes to the understanding of governance mechanisms of client organisations. The chapter describes how the learning experience of the Dutch Highway Agency led to adaptation of project governance structures in the consecutive infrastructure projects. It also explores how learning experiences from procurement processes influence project governance within one client organisation. A formal evaluation of each project on the procurement and project governance aspects of projects can contribute significantly to the learning capacity of a client organisation.