Innovation potential of megaprojects: a systematic literature review

Abstract

The interest in megaproject management and the role of innovation is increasing. However, the literature on this subject is fragmented, with studies focussing on ‘standard’ projects, failing to recognize the different nature of megaprojects, or discussing innovation dimensions as distinct components. The main aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive understanding of innovation in megaprojects. By means of a systematic literature review this paper synthesizes and analyzes the current academic literature on innovation in megaprojects and identifies potential research gaps. The paper presents the results of the descriptive and content analysis of the identified body of knowledge. We contribute to the literature by developing a theoretical integrated model of innovation in megaprojects, identifying dimensions of innovation, and deriving some propositions on these dimensions as well as the interactions between them. Key findings of the paper for the successful implementation of innovation in megaprojects include the planning for dynamic capability bundles and an innovation process that fits with the innovation package and its actualizing and complementary innovation interactions.