Keskushanke

Keskushanke is a Finnish term used to describe a central or flagship project within a program, organization, or sector. It denotes the project that holds the highest priority and acts as the focal point for resource allocation, governance, and strategic alignment. The word combines keskus (center, hub) and hanke (project, undertaking).

Usage and meaning vary by context. In many Finnish planning and management documents, a keskushanke receives prioritized funding, a dedicated project management team, and a steering group with senior sponsors. It is typically intended to coordinate related activities, align them with broader objectives, and demonstrate progress to stakeholders. The term is not a formal legal definition; its precise scope depends on the organization and the program.

Characteristics commonly associated with a keskushanke include centralized governance, explicit milestones, risk management, interdepartmental coordination, and reporting mechanisms. It may serve as a reference point for other initiatives, helping to ensure coherence across a larger portfolio.

Contexts where the term is used include public sector programs (municipal or national), large-scale infrastructure or technology projects, and corporate programs with a strategic core. It is sometimes used interchangeably with terms such as suurhanke (large-scale project) or pääprojekti (main project), though these terms can have distinct meanings in specific settings.

See also: suurhanke, ohjelma, projekti, projektinhallinta.