This paper aims to delve into the mechanisms through which major engineering projects foster fundamental theoretical breakthroughs and original innovations, shedding light on their pivotal role in propelling a nation’s high-quality development and overall technological prowess. By examining the 600 MW supercritical circulating fluidized bed boiler demonstration project, the study seeks to illuminate the essential contributions of major engineering endeavors in technological progress and multidisciplinary collaboration, thereby offering a profound understanding of the innovation processes and evolutionary dynamics within complex systems.
Adopting a complex systems perspective, this study employs longitudinal case study methods to trace the evolution of China’s circulating fluidized bed boiler technology from a position of “follower” to “competitor” and ultimately to “leader” over a period of 33 years. The research involved collecting and meticulously analyzing a vast array of historical data, technical documents, and project reports. The focus was on examining the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge, the fostering of cross-boundary collaboration, and the iterative process of “theoretical foundation—engineering practice” within the context of major engineering projects. By leveraging Qian Xuesen's system methodology, the study proposes a complex innovation system model for major engineering projects. This model encompasses comprehensive analysis, top-level design, system decomposition, and integrated synthesis, aiming to effectively manage complexity and drive continuous innovation.
The findings reveal that the intricate characteristics of major engineering projects significantly facilitate the iterative and spiral progression of “theoretical foundation—engineering practice.” This is achieved through orchestrating extensive cross-boundary collaboration and amalgamating multidisciplinary knowledge. Such a dynamic process has culminated in the groundbreaking innovation of the world’s first supercritical circulating fluidized bed boiler. The study identifies key developmental stages: from the initial small-capacity steam boilers to mastering advanced design theories of circulating fluidized beds and finally achieving large-scale supercritical power boilers. Within the framework of major engineering missions and under constraints such as project timelines and budgetary considerations, the research underscores the necessity of exploratory learning through a “learning by doing” approach. This approach involves applying interim theoretical insights to technological advancements and utilizing comprehensive iterative feedback to progressively refine and approach an accurate theoretical understanding.
The study underscores that major engineering projects, as integrated and super-large complex systems, possess unique advantages in promoting robust cross-boundary collaboration among diverse stakeholders in academia, industry, and research sectors. They also enhance the fusion of multidisciplinary knowledge and expedite the iterative and spiral advancement of “theory—practice.” To harness these advantages for driving fundamental research breakthroughs and original innovations, it is crucial to implement structured mechanisms such as comprehensive analysis, top-level design, system decomposition, and integrated synthesis. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of enabling researchers to fully capitalize on the multidisciplinary interaction opportunities afforded by major projects. By analyzing significant scientific questions through a multi-domain knowledge perspective and iteratively honing scientific understanding through “theory and practice,” the research advocates for setting shared objectives and establishing interdisciplinary centers. These measures aim to address challenges such as paradigm inconsistencies and disparate research practices encountered during cross-boundary collaboration, thereby enhancing innovation capacity and practical application outcomes.
This research not only highlights the indispensable role of major engineering projects in national technological advancement but also offers invaluable theoretical foundations and practical guidance for future analogous projects. The study’s methodologies and findings provide innovative insights and hold significant academic exchange value for the implementation of future major projects, fostering multidisciplinary integration and collaborative innovation. Through systematic approaches and extensive collaboration, major engineering projects not only achieve technological breakthroughs but also make substantial contributions to national scientific and economic development. This comprehensive research methodology and its outcomes furnish a solid theoretical basis and practical guidance for future similar projects, promoting multidisciplinary integration and collaborative innovation, and driving forward comprehensive technological progress.
Moreover, the implications of this research extend beyond immediate technological achievements. It offers a paradigm for understanding how large-scale projects can serve as crucibles for scientific and engineering advancements. By facilitating robust interactions among varied disciplines, these projects provide fertile ground for new ideas and approaches to emerge. The structured processes of comprehensive analysis, top-level design, system decomposition, and integrated synthesis ensure that innovations are not only technically sound but also practically viable and scalable. Furthermore, the study suggests that to fully leverage the potential of major engineering projects, there must be a concerted effort to build effective communication and collaboration frameworks. This includes fostering a culture of openness and adaptability where scientists, engineers, and managers can share insights and challenges freely, thus driving collective problem-solving and innovation. Establishing interdisciplinary research centers and setting common goals can help mitigate issues related to paradigm differences and inconsistent research practices, which often hinder effective collaboration.
The research demonstrates that major engineering projects are more than just technical endeavors; they are dynamic systems that can drive profound scientific and technological advancements. By embracing a systems approach that integrates comprehensive analysis, strategic planning, and iterative feedback, these projects can achieve breakthroughs that have far-reaching impacts on national development. The lessons learned from the 600 MW supercritical circulating fluidized bed boiler project underscore the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and iterative learning in achieving innovation. This approach not only leads to successful project outcomes but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing a nation’s scientific and technological capabilities.
The research thus provides a valuable framework for future projects, offering insights into how to manage complexity, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable technological progress. Through continued exploration and application of these principles, major engineering projects can continue to play a pivotal role in driving forward the frontiers of science and technology.