By: Derek Amidon, P.E. – CEO, GISI Consulting Group; and Raouf Ghali – CEO, Hill International

Infrastructure delivery today for large, complex projects requires more than execution – it demands precise coordination between local knowledge and global capacity. Projects in mass transit, water and energy increasingly face technical complexity, regulatory pressure and public scrutiny. Success hinges on a model that combines regional insight with scalable, technology-enabled collaboration.

Local teams play a critical role. Their understanding of permitting processes, political landscapes and community priorities can prevent costly delays and missteps. Local involvement is essential from the earliest phases, especially where trust and credibility are key to stakeholder alignment.

But no single team can address every challenge alone. Access to global expertise, proven methods and specialized support often determines whether a project stays on track.

Technology is changing how these resources connect. Digital Twin Collaboration Spaces provide shared visual environments, enabling geographically dispersed teams to review models, coordinate changes and resolve issues in real time. Follow-the-Sun handoffs allow work to progress around the clock, reducing idle time and accelerating delivery. AI-supported analytics give teams predictive insights, surfacing risks and trends that support faster, more informed decisions.

This approach doesn’t replace local leadership. It strengthens it.

Across the industry, this model is being applied to projects of national significance – from major transit corridors in U.S. metro areas to water infrastructure and energy transition programs in Canada. Organizations are using global collaboration to enhance delivery while staying responsive to regional needs.

A number of leading firms have already embraced this model, applying it on complex, high-stakes projects that require both global coordination and local accountability. One such example is GISI Consulting Group, which has demonstrated how a carefully balanced structure – combining regional leadership with scalable global support – can meet the increasing demands of modern infrastructure. It’s an approach designed not just for delivery, but for resilience, precision, and sustainable long-term impact.

This piece originally appeared in ENR’s U.S. and Global Megaprojects & Smart Cities Spotlight. Download the PDF and contact info@gisiconsulting.com to learn more.