Tianjin University's Global Infrastructure Project Center is writing a new chapter in China’s BRI through solid work and exceptional contributions.
The Global Infrastructure Project Center is an outstanding team with a clear mission. They adhere to the principle of "serving national strategies, contributing cutting-edge ideas, expanding international influence, and advancing disciplinary development," dedicating themselves to the field of international engineering management. They have cultivated a large number of outstanding talents. They persist in conducting "grounded yet visionary" research, consistently producing influential innovations. They actively participate in BRI project construction, providing critical support for smooth project execution.
The team was founded by Professor He Bo-sen. In 1993, at the age of 60, he transitioned careers and established China's first International Engineering Management program, cultivating a generation of interdisciplinary, globally oriented talents for China's international engineering sector.
Professors Zhang Shui-bo, Lv Wen-xue, and Chen Yong-qiang carried forward Professor He's educational philosophy and founded Tianjin University's Global Infrastructure Project Center under CoME, contributing "TJU Wisdom" to BRI construction.
Dedication to Education: TJU Talents Leave Global Footprints Along the BRI
The lab has always prioritized education, achieving remarkable results. It has published over 40 books and translations on international engineering, including Analysis of FIDIC 2017 Contract Conditions and International Engineering Contract Management, many of which have become industry classics with wide influence. The lab has developed high-quality courses such as International Engineering Bidding, International Engineering Contract Management, and International Engineering Claims, earning the National Teaching Achievement Award (Second Prize) and Tianjin Municipal Teaching Achievement Award (First Prize). Over two decades, the lab has cultivated more than 200 full-time master's and doctoral students, whose footprints span over 80 countries and regions, creating the "TJU Phenomenon" in BRI international engineering management. Truly, Tianjin University's international engineering managers are making their mark worldwide—a testament to their global impact.
Additionally, the "TJU He Bo-sen International Engineering Management Education Development Fund" has awarded 121 outstanding students from eight universities across China for 12 consecutive years, distributing a total of 897,000 RMB in scholarships and continuously supplying top talent for BRI construction.
Deep Research: Solving BRI Management Challenges with Practical Solutions
For 20 years, the lab has upheld Professor He Bo-sen's rigorous academic spirit, conducting "grounded yet visionary" research. Theoretically, the lab delves into cutting-edge international engineering management topics, focusing on BRI megaprojects in investment, construction, and operation. It has undertaken two Key Projects and 11 General/Youth Projects from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), becoming the only research team in engineering management to secure two Key Projects. Practically, the lab has concentrated on China-Central Asia energy cooperation, playing a key role in the Central Asia-China Gas Pipeline (Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China, China's first cross-border onshore gas pipeline). The lab pioneered the "Dual-Heavy, One-Light" transnational pipeline management mechanism, earning the Ministry of Education's Science and Technology Progress Award (First Prize).
Wholehearted Service: Contributing Wisdom for Shared Development
• Meeting Development Needs, Supporting Enterprise Growth
The lab consistently aligns with national strategic demands, deeply serving BRI enterprises. It has consulted on over 50 major national projects, including the Central Asia-China Gas Pipeline and the Hungary-Serbia Railway. For corporate development, it has provided high-end training to more than 200 companies and hosted the influential Global Engineering Management Summit for five consecutive years. This forum serves as a platform for governments, engineering firms, and academic institutions to share best practices and enhance regional BRI impact, becoming a flagship event fostering consensus among policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders. In knowledge dissemination, the lab's WeChat public account, Global Engineering Management, maintains original content output, boasting over 40,000 professional subscribers with cumulative reads exceeding 1 million—peaking at 49,300 for a single article—providing continuous intellectual support to the industry. The lab also conducts field research in BRI partner countries, identifying critical infrastructure challenges and offering tailored theoretical and technical guidance to advance high-quality BRI co-construction.
• Advising Policy, Serving National Strategy
As a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Professor Zhang Shui-bo, the lab's leader, has been actively offering advice and suggestions focusing on BRI. Over 20 of his motions and proposals—including Transitioning BRI from "Sovereign Loans + Chinese Construction" to "Investment-Construction-Operation Integration," Accelerating the Global Expansion of China's Engineering Consultancy to Provide New Momentum for BRI High-Quality Development, and Strengthening Pre-Project Security Training for Overseas Operations—have been highly regarded by government agencies and adopted by 19 national departments, informing policy decisions. His contributions have been covered by authoritative media such as CCTV, Xinhua News Agency, and People's Daily.
• Shaping International Rules, Elevating Global Influence
For over two decades, the lab has specialized in international engineering contract management, significantly enhancing China's voice in global rule-making. It co-authored the UN's Asia-Pacific PPP Training Manual, incorporating five Chinese PPP cases to share China's experience globally. It co-hosted the International Colloquium on UNCITRAL PPP Instruments and Chinese Practice, attracting 1,200 global participants and earning special recognition from the UNCITRAL Secretary-General. Professor Zhang Shui-bo was the only Chinese scholar invited to deliver a keynote speech at the FIDIC Conference, later facilitating the FIDIC Chair's exclusive visit to China. The lab has also continuously advanced China’s participation in formulating international commercial rules and developing dispute resolution mechanisms through multiple channels, including serving as a member of international dispute adjudication board and sharing China’s PPP governance experience at AIIB meetings. These efforts have significantly enhanced China’s voice and influence in the international engineering governance system.
Engineering management is one of Tianjin University's flagship disciplines, and the lab epitomizes its excellence. For 20 years, the torch has been passed, and the mission continues.
Moving forward, Tianjin University's Global Infrastructure Project Center looks forward to collaborating with all sectors to contribute to the BRI's high-quality development!
By: College of Management and Economics
Editor: Sun Xiaofang
