The round table discussion “Project Management Education: Preparing Project Leaders for a Complex, Human-Centered Future” explored how education systems must evolve to prepare future project leaders for an increasingly complex, technology-driven, and rapidly changing world.
The round table was moderated by Peter Thuy, Vice President for Membership Germany; IU International University, former Germany Rector and Management Director, and featured Prof. Martina Huemann, Editor in Chief IJPM; WU Vienna University and University College London; Dr. Reinhard Wagner, Founder & CEO of Projektivisten GmbH and former IPMA President, Ronggui Ding, IPMA Vice President Research & Publications; Professor Khalid Al Marri, Chairman of the IPMA UAE Board; Ekaterina Khalimon, State University of Management; Aca Jovanovic, Dean of Faculty for Project and Innovation Management; Ines Perec, VP of Quality and Academic Affairs, Swiss School of Business and Management, Switzerland; and Nathalie Drouin, Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Managing Projects in Business.
One of the key messages of the discussion was that project management education must move beyond methodologies and technical knowledge, placing greater emphasis on critical thinking, adaptability, communication, resilience, ethics, and human-centered leadership.
The participants emphasized that while AI will increasingly automate analytical and administrative tasks, future project leaders will be distinguished by uniquely human capabilities such as creativity, judgment, stakeholder engagement, and value-based decision-making.
Special attention was given to the importance of stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and professional associations, with participants highlighting the value of real-world projects, multidisciplinary teamwork, mentorship, and practical experience in preparing students for modern project environments.
The discussion also stressed that wellbeing, resilience, and psychological safety should be treated as core competences for future project professionals, alongside technical and strategic skills.
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