John Bitzan, associate professor of management, was invited to speak at the extended session of the Commission on Transportation Infrastructure in Moscow May 20.
The event, hosted by JSC Russian Railways Co., included participants from the Russian Federation Council, State Duma section of the Russian legislature and the Ministry of Transport.
Bitzan was invited to speak because of his expertise in the cost implications of competition in railway networks. His research has been cited in numerous studies examining efficient regulatory structures in Europe and Australia.
“This was a fantastic experience for me to be able to visit Russia and to be able to present to a committee that will play an important role in shaping the future of Russia’s railways,” Bitzan said. “It was a great honor that I was asked to present my research and to give my opinions regarding the future of restructuring the Russian rail system. The Russian government, the Russian railway and other Russian business interests that were present at the meeting seem truly interested in using the experiences from rail reform and restructuring in other parts of the world as they consider future options for Russia.”
Bitzan joined NDSU in 1990. He earned his bachelor’s degree at St. Cloud State University, his master’s degree at Marquette University and his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.