Wellingtone’s annual State of Project Management report, now in its ninth year, highlights a sector at a crossroads, embracing new technologies and methodologies while still battling persistent challenges in maturity, delivery and value perception.
The 2025 edition offers a comprehensive snapshot of the industry’s current state and future direction.
Project management maturity remains low. Some 46% express dissatisfaction at the current level of project management maturity in their organisation. Just 21% believe their organisation has reached a high level of maturity.
Project delivery struggles continue. Only 38% of organisations mostly or always complete projects on time, 41% on budget and 39% deliver the full intended benefits. Just over half (52%) say their organisation has a track record of project success.
Methodology and process adoption is inconsistent: While 59% of projects mostly or always apply a defined methodology, a significant 42% of project managers do not follow a formal project management methodology, impacting success rates.
Some 89% of organisations now have one or more PMOs, with nearly half established in the last four years. However, only 53% of PMOs have a clear remit and objectives, and just 40% have a defined catalogue of services. Nonetheless, the perceived value of PMOs is rising, with 69% expecting their value to increase, and nearly half anticipating headcount growth.
The report shows that the profession is in transition. While the adoption of advanced tools, hybrid methodologies and AI is increasing, many organisations are held back by low maturity, manual processes and difficulty embedding high-value practices.
