Building economics research in the People's Republic of China: a review: Fid-Bau Portal

Building economics research in the People's Republic of China: a review

Youjie, Lu / Qiang, Zhang

Research in China into building economics is currently focused on the transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy. Particular attention is being paid to the theoretical and practical issues arising from the economic reforms. Outside China, there is little known about the various organizations and individuals involved in this field. Their work is funded through the Ministry of Construction and the China National Science Foundation. It is difficult to get commercial sponsorship for this kind of research. Research has focused upon such issues as the role of the construction industry in the national economy, the use of competitive tendering, price formation, urban housing, structuring of the industry and of firms, project management, expert systems and management information systems. There have been some notable successes in terms of building economics researchers influencing the way in which the construction industry is dealt with in China. Future research will be aimed at converting state enterprises to true companies and devising the means to deregulate the pricing of built facilities and construction services without disrupting the market.