The evolution of the project manager's competencies: a systematic literature review

Purpose As project management develops in the twenty-first century, new competencies are increasingly vital for project managers. This study investigates the evolution of project manager competencies from 2000 to 2024, emphasising shifts beyond traditional models. It also seeks to propose a theoretical framework to explain these changes. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, analysing 90 scientific publications. The study addressed three research questions that explore the development of project managers' competencies over time. A critical and comparative analysis was employed to assess the content. Findings The analysis indicates a rise in publications on competence, increasing from 18 in 2000–2009 to 46 in 2020–2024. The most notable change was observed in the People domain, where fundamental transformational and digital approaches have emerged. In the Practice, competencies shifted from highly standardised methods to more flexible and adaptable ones. The Perspective area experienced a redefinition of professional identity and responsibilities. Furthermore, project managers have gained competencies that extend beyond the traditionally recognised set. Practical implications The findings suggest that certification standards and curricula should be revised to include transformational competencies aligned with the complexity of modern projects. The International Project Management Association (IPMA)-VUCA-dynamic capabilities view (DCV) model was introduced to explain observed shifts in the desirable competencies of project managers. Originality/value The project manager's competencies developed in a nonlinear manner, surpassing the standard IPMA ICB 4.0 framework. They were influenced by an unpredictable environment. This process is best explained through the DCV, which operates within the VUCA context and supports ongoing reconfiguration of competencies aligned with the IPMA framework