Unveiling hidden challenges in public projects

This research delves into challenges faced by countries, especially in Eastern Europe, with escalating penalties to the European Commission due to project failures. Scientists and practitioners collaboratively explore leadership and digital transformation's role, identifying deficiencies in project management and EU fund-related knowledge. Emphasizing the intricate link between project management effectiveness and public leadership, aim of this this study lies in the research of leaders' contribution to successful outcomes. Methods used in the paper were as following: Theoretical frameworks include Situational Leadership, Transformational Leadership, and Upper Echelons Theory, depicting the dynamic nature of leadership. The main results of the paper underscores public leadership's crucial role in goal clarity and socio-economic improvement, addressing challenges like poor motivation and inadequate salaries. Conclusion of the research follows the cognitive map that visually synthesizes key points, emphasizing leadership's pivotal role. The research advocates for a robust governance framework, guiding practitioners through digital transformation complexities, and suggests future research exploring diverse relationships and validation methods.