What is NETLIPSE?
NETLIPSE is a Network
for the dissemination of knowledge on the management and
organisation of Large
Infrastructure
Projects in
Europe.
NETLIPSE started as a two year
research programme in the Sixth European Framework Programme (FP6),
which ran from May 2006 to May 2008. It initiated a
network with member states, universities, research institutes,
project delivery organisations and private consultancy
companies.
The main goal was to exchange
knowledge on the management and organisation of Large
Infrastructure Projects (LIPs). 15 Large Infrastructure Projects
throughout Europe were researched, culminating in the publication
of a book on best practices and lessons learnt, titled:
Managing Large Infrastructure
Projects
Research on Best Practices and Lessons Learnt in Large
Infrastructure Projects in Europe
Order the book here.
After completion of the research
programme in May 2008, the European Commission TEN-T Executive
Agency decided to continue and expand the NETLIPSE
initiative (June 2008 - December 2010). Besides continuing the
networking activities, also by supporting the development of the
'Infrastructure Project Assessment Tool' (IPAT) and training
programmes.
A Trans European Transport Network
The European
Union addressed the need for a Trans European Transport Network
(TEN-T) in a White
Paper: Time to Decide published in 2001. The European Union has
already invested billions in the construction of several Large
Infrastructure Projects (LIPs) to help create the TEN-T. This work
continues but with even greater emphasis on value for money.
The organisation responsible for
funding and delivering such significant investments may have
limited opportunities for both forecasting and monitoring the
effectiveness of these projects. Past experiences have taught that
there is a real risk of delays and cost overruns, with sometimes
inexperience in the management of stakeholders, both on a
(inter)national and local level. Knowledge exchange between Large
Infrastructure Projects is scarce.
NETLIPSE is co-financed by the
European Union's TEN-T programme through the
Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency (TEN-T
EA).