Published on: 2026-07-20
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
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A year ago, a professor of the Department of Construction Management at SPbGASU Alexander Kharitonovich He received the academic degree of Doctor of Economic Sciences, successfully defending his doctoral dissertation on the topic “Development of a methodology for managing changes in large territorially distributed economic systems (using investment and construction complexes as an example).”
The scientist noted that the successful defense of his doctoral dissertation is for him not only a recognition of scientific results but also a confirmation of their significance for the professional community.
“A successful defense is an opportunity to present a solution to a relevant scientific problem and the result of the work having scientific novelty, theoretical and practical significance. Moreover, it is confirmation that the research has been recognized by leading experts,” he emphasized.
The choice of the research topic was determined by the scientist’s sustained interest in the investment and construction complex as one of the key drivers of territorial economic development, exerting a multiplicative effect on related industries and the labor market.
Within the framework of the dissertation, a comprehensive methodology for change management in large territorially distributed economic systems was developed. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the creation of a conceptual model for the development of such systems, a management mechanism for the development of the investment and construction complex, approaches to analyzing life cycle stages, assessing its condition, and forecasting dynamics, as well as the creation of a system of indicators characterizing development stages.
According to the researcher, modern economic systems face a number of serious challenges, including the need to increase labor productivity, adapt to changing geopolitical conditions, sanction restrictions, and transformations in global logistics chains, as well as ensure a stable investment climate.
Change management takes on a special role in these conditions, becoming an essential tool for the strategic development of organizations.
“Organizations that fail to keep up with changes risk losing competitiveness. Change management not only allows responding to external challenges but also actively shaping the future,” noted Alexander Kharitonovich.
The developed methodological provisions covering the complete cycle of change management—from diagnosis and planning to implementation and evaluation of results—have practical significance. According to the author, the proposed approaches can be applied not only in the construction industry but also in other sectors of the economy and public administration.
The work on the dissertation took about three and a half years. One of the most challenging stages was overcoming resistance to changes within the scientific community and the need to convincingly justify new approaches.
“This required diplomacy, patience, and the ability to find arguments. In a way, this was also change management — already in the process of communicating with people,” he emphasized.
In the future, the scientist plans to focus on the issues of digital transformation in the construction industry and the impact of artificial intelligence implementation on organizational structures, processes, and corporate culture.
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