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STEP-organizing a major project to tackle significant uncertainty
1UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd., UK Atomic Energy Authority, Culham Campus, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 3DB, UK.
Summary
The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) program uses an adaptive organization design to manage uncertainty and exploit opportunities in fusion energy development. This approach emphasizes collaboration and guided empowerment for successful project delivery.
Area of Science:
- Fusion Energy Research
- Nuclear Engineering
- Project Management
Background:
- The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) program is a major initiative in fusion energy research.
- Significant technical, financial, commercial, and programmatic uncertainties characterize the STEP project.
- There is an embryonic delivery capability for STEP, alongside global-scale opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the rationale behind the STEP program launch.
- To detail the intended achievements and benefits of STEP.
- To describe the strategic approach for delivering the STEP program.
Main Methods:
- Application of major project delivery and organization design (OD) principles to STEP.
- Development of a collaborative operating model involving public and private sectors.
- Focus on managing uncertainty, risks, and opportunities through adaptive OD.
Main Results:
- An approach centered on securing and organizing diverse capabilities.
- An operating model designed for adaptability and emergent strategy.
- Principles for managing engineering design work derived from the program approach.
Conclusions:
- Adaptive organization design is crucial for managing complex, uncertain projects like STEP.
- Guided empowerment and flexibility are key to delivering emergent strategies in large-scale projects.
- The STEP program's strategy provides a framework for advancing fusion energy delivery.
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