I.T.J. (Ingo) Bousema, MSc

Postdoctoral research: Enriching the knowledge and expertise of project, program, and portfolio management (2026-present)

The implementation of large infrastructure programs in the Netherlands increasingly demands the professionalism of project, program, and portfolio managers (PPMs). Changing societal challenges—such as climate adaptation, energy, and mobility transitions—make it necessary to continuously renew the knowledge and expertise in these roles. Within the strategic partnership Sustainable Networks, Rijkswaterstaat (RWS), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), and the Faculty of Spatial Sciences (RUG-FRW) have been working together on this innovation since 2007. The new assignment, Enriching the knowledge and expertise of PPM, builds on this and focuses on strengthening the interaction between science and practice.

PhD research: Institutional adaptation in Dutch land use and transport programs (2020-2026)

In the Netherlands, programs are often used to address spatial issues, such as the housing crisis and aging infrastructure. The Environment and Planning Act describes programs as one of the core instruments for improving decision-making between government bodies on spatial issues. In practice, programs do not always lead to the desired results; they may contain few concrete actions and decisions that help achieve objectives. This demonstrates that government organizations struggle with how to achieve their goals within programs. The doctoral research investigates programs by approaching them from a polycentric decision-making perspective. The research provides government organizations and the individuals who represent these organizations in programs with insight into how they can achieve their goals within programs.