Book Review: Managing Sustainable Development Programmes: A Learning Approach to Change

This book review examines "Managing Sustainable Development Programmes: A Learning Approach to Change" by Göran Brulin and Lennart Svensson, published by Routledge in 2024. European structural funds were developed to assist EU member states to improve infrastructure, strengthen competitiveness and increase employment. However, these projects have not always succeeded in achieving their intended aims or maintained their benefits after funding ended. In this book, Brulin and Svensson develop a strong critique of traditional programme implementation, reviewing the role of the project manager and the suitability of linear programme logic. Instead, they advocate active-ownership management, with a focus on stakeholder collaboration and dynamic learning to provide a multiplier effect for projects. They also highlight aspects of programme design that will allow activities in projects to continue after funding ceases. The book offers an alternative to traditional project management and provides useful insights for all those involved in managing complex projects.