Shandong University (SDU) hosted the 4th Annual Conference on Engineering Management (EM2026) from July 3 to 5, bringing together leading scholars, industry experts, and researchers to discuss the future of engineering management amid emerging technological and industrial trends.

The conference focused on the theme of engineering management transformation in a new development landscape, with discussions covering topics such as artificial intelligence, energy transition, management science, and international engineering governance.

More than 90 scholars delivered presentations through seven keynote sessions, 11 thematic forums, and a youth forum.

In his opening remarks, SDU President Li Shucai, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said the university remains committed to supporting scientific and technological innovation and national strategic priorities.

He called for closer collaboration in advanced engineering management theory and practice, stronger integration of technology and innovation, and intensified efforts to meet the demands of major engineering projects.

Representatives of the journal ENGINEERING Management (EM) outlined the publication's development and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research and academic exchange. They noted the conference serves as a platform for editorial board members, researchers, authors, and readers to foster collaboration and advance engineering management as a discipline.

During the conference, awards were presented for outstanding research, influential research, and promising young scholars.

The event was jointly organized by EM, SDU, and the Society of Management Science and Engineering of China, attracting more than 1,000 participants from nearly 200 universities, research institutes, and enterprises across China.

Scholars, researchers, and industry representatives attend the 4th Annual Conference on Engineering Management in Jinan, Shandong province. [Photo/Shandong University]

An award is presented to the most promising young researcher during the Annual Conference on Engineering Management. [Photo/Shandong University]