The Project Management Economy

A simple look at how project management drives the economy while facing a growing global talent gap.

Total Project Economy $24.7T Value of Project-Based Industries
Share of World Economy 28% of Global GDP is from Projects
Global Talent Gap ~30M New Workers Needed by 2035
A Top Career Choice Top 1 Career aspiration for students

The Global Project Economy

Projects are the engine of the global economy. According to PMI, the value of project-based industries represents 28% of global GDP. This “Project Economy” builds, creates, and changes the world around us.

Project Economy Share of World GDP
G7 vs. Rest of World ($ Trillion)
G7 Project Economy Breakdown ($ Trillion)

A Growing Career With High Demand

The need for skilled project workers is rising faster than people are entering the profession. This “Talent Gap” creates immense opportunities for those with the right skills.

The Global Talent Gap (Millions)
Workforce Size (Millions)
20%

of students chose ‘project manager’ as a career, beating both law and architecture.

(Source: APM Research)

Data sourced from APM reports including “Golden Thread 2024” and PMI reports on the “Project Economy” and “Talent Gap”. G7 estimations are based on GDP data. This is an interpretive visualization.

Confluity Project Model sitemap

Model overview

What are Jobs?

The model is organised into three Jobs:

Job 1: Set the Direction - shape the purpose into options and a preferred way forward.

Job 2: Prove It Works - test assumptions and reduce risk before going big.

Job 3: Make It Happen - deliver at scale and make sure people actually use what you build.

What are Simple Rules?

The model contains simple rules. These are short principles drawn from experience that help you make better decisions. Jobs, tasks, and plays help you put those rules into practice.

What is a Play?

A Play is a method or tool that helps you apply a rule or complete a task. Use the recommended Plays first for simpler projects before exploring others.

Downloads