Kernprojecten

Kernprojecten is a Dutch term that translates as "core projects" or "key projects." In organizational and project-management contexts it denotes the subset of a portfolio that is considered essential for achieving strategic objectives.

Purpose and scope: Core projects are prioritized for planning, funding and governance because of their high strategic value, urgency, or interdependencies with other initiatives. They typically receive more formal oversight, stricter controls and dedicated resources.

Selection criteria: Projects are chosen based on strategic alignment, expected impact and benefits realization, risk profile, required resources, interdependencies, and regulatory or compliance obligations, as well as time sensitivity.

Governance and management: Kernprojecten are usually overseen by an executive sponsor and a steering committee, with a project management office coordinating planning and reporting. Progress is tracked through milestones and governance gates, and benefits are monitored after delivery.

Lifecycle and challenges: They undergo structured phases with tighter scope control, more rigorous risk management, and formal change control. Success depends on cross-functional collaboration and the ability to balance them with other initiatives to avoid overextension.

Context and usage: The term is common in both the public sector and private industry in the Netherlands and Flanders, where organizations introduce a Kernprojecten category within their project portfolio to emphasize strategic delivery.