Resource competition and inter-project learning in megaproject ecologies

While inter-project learning is important in infrastructure megaproject ecologies, concurrent projects compete for resources. Prior research highlights the benefits of inter-project learning but does not explain how competition for resources affects this learning. Drawing on a qualitative study, we explain how resource competition between projects limits learning in the Sydney megaproject ecology. We identify constraints arising from this competition, including workforce availability, professional expertise, and knowledge ownership. Our study reveals emerging practices to address resource competition through vertical experimentation with project sequencing and horizontal experimentation with ad hoc sharing. We contribute by theorising how shared dependence on scarce resources leads to competition between projects that constrains inter-project learning. Our theorising provides insights into enabling inter-project learning in project ecologies by identifying governance strategies to alleviate resource constraints and embed learning mechanisms. It suggests new directions for research on resource competition and inter-project learning in project ecologies.