Innovative Strategies and Adaptive Evolution of Chinese International Contractors in the Belt and Road Initiative: Integrating Social Network and Supply Chain Theories

In an era of unprecedented global economic integration and technological advancement, the role of international engineering contracting has never been more pivotal. As China accelerates its global outreach through the “Going Global” strategy and the ambitious “Belt and Road” Initiative, a dramatic shift is occurring in how Chinese firms approach and execute international projects. The EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) model, renowned for its strategic flexibility and resource integration capabilities, has emerged as a game-changer in this evolving landscape. This model not only facilitates deeper economic connections between China and the global market but also unlocks novel avenues for market expansion and investment, thus driving the rapid internationalization of Chinese enterprises. In this transformative context, optimizing procurement management and integrating supply chain strategies have become critical levers for achieving project success. This study pioneers a novel exploration into how the Belt and Road Initiative impacts the global expansion of Chinese firms through an innovative examination of procurement management and supply chain integration within international EPC projects. By employing cutting-edge social network analysis techniques, the research unveils intricate stakeholder interactions and procurement dynamics, offering a fresh and comprehensive perspective on network-driven strategic optimization. The integration of supply chain management principles into the EPC model enhances procurement efficiency and project outcomes by streamlining processes and fostering effective coordination among stakeholders. This approach delivers groundbreaking insights into how relational networks and structural configurations influence procurement efficiency and project success. The study significantly contributes to both theoretical advancements and practical applications in the dynamic global environment, illustrating the crucial role of supply chain integration in driving international project success under the Belt and Road Initiative.