RESEARCH REPORT
Blueprint for success
How top performers consistently deliver on their infrastructure and capital projects' commitments
5-MINUTE READ
February 27, 2025
In brief
- 92% of infrastructure and capital projects fail to deliver expected outcomes on time and on budget
- Only 6% of organizations consistently meet or exceed their infrastructure and capital projects commitments, harnessing additional value
- Four clear action areas stand out, offering all organizations a blueprint for success—if they act now
A challenging landscape
An astonishing 92% of capital projects fail to deliver predicted outcomes on time and on budget. Only 6% of organizations consistently buck this trend, underspending by 14% of project costs on average while others endure cost overruns of nearly 30%. The stakes are high: delays disrupt supply chains, derail net-zero carbon goals and damage organizational credibility.
What separates the best from the rest? Accenture’s survey of 700 global leaders in infrastructure and capital projects reveals that top performers excel at navigating the complexity and challenges inherent in any mega construction project. These include increased stakeholder scrutiny, reduced availability of raw materials and equipment, and an ever-changing regulatory landscape. These issues are often compounded by the struggle that almost all organizations face today in filling open roles for highly skilled positions on their teams. With global spending on capital projects expected to surpass $9 trillion (excluding residential) by the end of 2025, it’s critical we work on fixing the issues now.
Closing the performance gap
We’ve defined three groups according to how organizations perform in terms of delivering infrastructure and capital projects with predicted outcomes, on time and on budget.
The fact that only a mere 6% of organizations consistently deliver on or ahead of target drives home the need for reinvention, especially as the group that is most likely to miss those targets is more than tenfold larger.
How top performers in capital projects consistently excel
We classify organizations that consistently deliver on, near or ahead of target as top performers. These organizations have superior capabilities that enable them to:
01
Turn insight into foresight
Top performers focus on high-value or high-risk factors early, involve supply chains in decision-making and embed flexibility to navigate uncertainty. They use data-driven insights and technologies like digital twins and AI to predict trends and refine plans. Advanced methods like Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and real-time collaboration tools enable precision and adaptability, boosting success rates by up to 42%.
02
Manage diverse stakeholders
With diverse stakeholders from regulators to local communities, alignment is critical. Top performers ensure transparency through frequent communication and collaborative tools, providing real-time data on project progress. Innovations such as VR and sentiment analysis help engage stakeholders and address concerns proactively, enhancing trust and cooperation.
03
Embrace ESG beyond compliance
Sustainability is a core requirement, not a bonus. Leading organizations design projects with carbon-neutral materials, use smart sensors for real-time environmental tracking and adopt tools like lifecycle assessment software. Drones and AI-driven analysis of raw materials optimize operations and reporting, ensuring ESG goals are met while improving resilience.
By leading in these strategies, top performers consistently deliver projects that are on time, on budget, and aligned with broader social and environmental priorities.
04
Build and sustain critical skills
Talent shortages plague capital projects, with skilled workers retiring faster than replacements are trained. Top performers address this by mapping skills gaps, tapping global talent pools, and embracing apprenticeships and inclusive hiring programs. They prioritize employee satisfaction, improving retention. Advanced technologies like AI and VR streamline recruitment and training, while reskilling programs develop specialists in critical areas such as planning and sustainability.
What’s next?
With two-thirds of organizations missing their capital project commitments, the industry is crying out for reinvention. Success begins by adopting strategies used by top performers.
- Effective planning involves aligning governance to focus on high-value opportunities, navigating uncertainty and using data-driven insights to guide decisions.
- Delivery teams must be cross-functional, with clear roles and collaborative processes.
- ESG priorities can unlock alternative financing options, while digital technologies and AI improve data transparency and decision-making.
- A robust talent strategy is essential—addressing skills gaps through targeted hiring, reskilling and leveraging technology to streamline recruitment and training.
For organizations seeking a higher level of performance from their infrastructure and capital projects, it’s time to act now and reap the rewards.