Yang, S.; Xiang, P.; Wang, Y.; Zhang, X. and Qian, Y. (2026) Emphasizing cross-regional matters: Interpreting the critical risks of cross-regional mega infrastructure projects from an interactional perspective. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(7), pp. 5540-5564. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – This paper interprets critical risks of cross-regional mega infrastructure projects (CMIPs) by analyzing risk interactions, addressing overlooked cross-regional challenges. Design/methodology/approach – Firstly, based on the analysis of CMIP system, through a comprehensive literature review and 15 global case studies, 35 CMIP risk factors were identified. Secondly, a panel of experts evaluated risk interactions to construct a risk network. Social network analysis (SNA) was employed for whole network and ego network analysis to reveal the overall CMIP risk landscape and identify 9 critical risk factors and 8 critical risk paths. Finally, risk prevention strategies were proposed. Findings – The results indicate that risks with "cross-regional" characteristics were at the center of the network and significantly influenced other risks, thus affecting the evolution of the risk network. Government-led cross-regional multi-layer stakeholders, the difficulty of synergy among local governments across regions, unorganized competition for resources across regions, and unbalanced development of local economies across regions are major challenges faced by CMIP. Originality/value – This paper fills the research gap on cross-regional issues in the MIP knowledge. Critical risks identified by exploring risk interactions will help deepen the understanding of CMIP and its risks. The identified risks and devised prevention strategies can improve CMIP stakeholders' comprehension of cross-regional issues and enhance the effectiveness and accuracy of risk management.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | critical risk; cross-regional mega infrastructure project; mega infrastructure project; risk management; social network analysis |
| Index terms: | network analysis, social network analysis, local government, risk management, competition, infrastructure project, interaction, effectiveness, local economy, prevention, risk factor, methodology, accuracy, strategy, literature review, evolution, synergy, case study |
| Subjects: | environmental science, risk assessment, economic analysis, administrative law, environmental hazards, financial risk, professional development, infrastructure and transport systems, behavioral psychology, research methods, management, partnership management, data analysis and analytics, performance management, market analysis, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Stakeholder Management, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Legal Issues, Sustainability, Cost Management, Risk Management, Quality Management, Information Management, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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