ICE green paper programme: why do major infrastructure projects cost so much and take so long?

Cost overruns and delays continue to challenge major infrastructure projects worldwide.

Examining the gap between forecasts and outturns for 3,022 projects, Saïd Business School found that only 27% were delivered on or under budget.

Alarmingly, only 0.2% came in on time, within budget, and with expected benefits fully realised.

In the UK, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority – now superseded by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) – estimates that adopting best practice delivery methods could reduce project overruns by up to 25%.

This green paper explores how governance and assurance structures support forecasting and delivery.

Are these frameworks fit for purpose? Or are they adding unnecessary complexity that hampers innovation?

The ICE wants to hear from decision-makers, infrastructure professionals, civil society groups, and other interested stakeholders on how better governance and assurance can help close the gap between forecasts and outturns.

Your insight will inform effective recommendations to policymakers worldwide and help them better deliver the infrastructure the public needs.

Please share your responses with [email protected] by Friday 11 July 2025.