Development Paths and Strategies for Whole Process Engineering Consulting in China: A Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis

As an innovative model in China's engineering construction sector, the application of whole process engineering consulting (WPEC) has made notable progress since the policy was introduced. However, the actual impact has varied, with certain policies exhibiting limitations in coordination and effectiveness, thus hindering their widespread implementation. Based on policy tool theory and configuration theory, this study adopts fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to examine the policy documents and contract amounts from 31 provincial-level units in China. The research systematically analyzes seven categories of promotional content outlined in the policy documents, with a particular focus on the application characteristics of coercive, hybrid, and voluntary policy tools, and their impact mechanisms and combinatory paths in the development of WPEC. The findings indicate that the high-level development of WPEC relies on the synergistic use of diverse policy tools. Three primary pathways are identified: the comprehensive path (coercive-hybrid-voluntary joint leadership), the hybrid path, and the coercive + voluntary path. In contrast, the key factors for the lack of high-level development are attributed to the absence of coercive and hybrid tools. This study provides theoretical insights and practical recommendations for enhancing policy effectiveness and fostering the high-quality development of the engineering consultancy industry.

作为中国工程建设领域的创新模式，全过程工程咨询（whole process engineering consulting, WPEC）自相关政策出台以来已取得显著进展。然而，其实际影响存在差异，部分政策在协同性与有效性方面存在局限，进而阻碍了其广泛实施。本研究基于政策工具理论与组态理论，采用模糊集定性比较分析（fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis, fsQCA）方法，对中国31个省级单位的政策文件及合同金额展开研究。研究系统分析了政策文件中列明的七类推广内容，重点探讨了强制性、混合型及自愿性政策工具的应用特征，以及它们在WPEC发展中的作用机制与组合路径。研究结果表明，WPEC的高水平发展依赖于多种政策工具的协同运用。研究识别出三条主要路径：综合路径（强制性-混合型-自愿性联合主导）、混合型路径及强制性+自愿性路径。相比之下，未能实现高水平发展的关键因素在于缺乏强制性与混合型工具。本研究为提升政策效能、推动工程咨询行业高质量发展提供了理论启示与实践建议。