Prof. Bent Flyvbjerg

Book Bent Flyvbjerg for your event

Bent Flyvbjerg is one of the world’s most respected authorities on megaprojects, project management, and strategic leadership. For more than three decades, he has researched why large-scale projects succeed or fail and what organizations can do to dramatically improve outcomes. His keynote speeches combine groundbreaking research, compelling case studies, and practical advice that audiences can apply immediately in their own organizations.

Bent is the award-winning co-author of the international bestseller How Big Things Get Done, written together with journalist Dan Gardner. The book quickly became one of the most talked-about business releases internationally and was shortlisted for the prestigious Financial Times Business Book of the Year 2023 alongside some of the year’s biggest global titles. It also received The Economist’s Best Book of 2023 award in the business and economics category and was named Inc. Magazine’s Most Important Book of 2023.

His research has transformed the way governments, executives, project managers, and organizations think about planning and execution. Bent’s work is highly relevant across industries including construction, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, finance, energy, and public administration.

Why projects fail

Large projects are notorious for delays, cost overruns, and disappointing results. New hospitals, infrastructure developments, IT implementations, and transformation projects often exceed budgets and timelines significantly. Bent Flyvbjerg’s extensive international research shows that more than 91% of projects fail to meet their original budget and schedule targets, while only a very small percentage fully deliver the promised benefits.

In his keynote speeches, Bent explains the hidden patterns behind these failures. He explores the psychological, political, and organizational factors that repeatedly derail projects — from optimism bias and poor forecasting to weak stakeholder alignment and unrealistic planning.

Rather than focusing on theory alone, Bent presents concrete examples from real-world projects around the globe. Audiences gain a deeper understanding of why even experienced organizations continue making the same costly mistakes and what can be done to prevent them.

Research-based insights with practical value

Bent Flyvbjerg is known for translating complex research into practical strategies that leaders and project teams can use immediately. His presentations are engaging, insightful, and filled with actionable takeaways for organizations of all sizes.

Topics often include:

• How successful projects create realistic plans and forecasts
• The importance of leadership and stakeholder collaboration
• Why experience alone is not enough to ensure project success
• How to reduce risk and avoid costly delays
• Decision-making in complex and high-pressure environments
• What separates high-performing projects from failed initiatives
• How organizations can improve execution across departments and teams

Whether speaking to executives, project managers, engineers, public sector leaders, or entrepreneurs, Bent delivers valuable perspectives that resonate across industries and organizational levels.

Internationally recognized expert

Bent Flyvbjerg’s influence extends far beyond academia. He regularly advises governments, policymakers, and Fortune 500 companies on major projects and strategic planning. Throughout his career, he has served as an advisor to governments including the United Kingdom, the United States, and China.

His books and research articles have been translated into more than 20 languages, and his work is frequently featured in international media and business publications. Bent has received numerous distinctions and honors for his contributions to research and project management, including two Fulbright scholarships and the prestigious Project Management Institute Research Achievement Award. He has also been knighted in recognition of his achievements.

His ability to combine world-class research with practical business relevance has made him a highly sought-after keynote speaker at conferences, leadership summits, corporate events, and industry gatherings worldwide.

Keynotes that create lasting impact

A keynote with Bent Flyvbjerg delivers far more than inspiration. Audiences leave with a new understanding of how projects succeed, why so many fail, and how better leadership and planning can significantly improve results.

His presentations challenge conventional assumptions while providing clear frameworks for smarter execution and better decision-making. Bent’s expertise is particularly valuable for organizations dealing with transformation, innovation, growth, infrastructure, digitalization, or other complex initiatives where the stakes are high and execution is critical.

Whether the goal is to improve project performance, strengthen leadership, reduce risk, or build a culture of successful execution, Bent Flyvbjerg offers knowledge and insights that continue to create value long after the event itself.

Book Bent Flyvbjerg for your event and gain unique insight from one of the world’s leading experts on project management, megaprojects, leadership, and strategic execution.