An integrated neutrosophic Schweizer-Sklar-based model for evaluating economic activities in organized industrial zones

• Published in: Engineering applications of artificial intelligence 2024-04, Vol.130, p.107722, Article 107722
• Main Authors: Kara, Karahan, Yalçın, Galip Cihan, Simic, Vladimir, Polat, Mustafa, Pamucar, Dragan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Criteria importance through intercriteria correlation; Economic activities selection; Organized industrial zones; Schweizer-Sklar aggregation operators; Type-2 neutrosophic numbers
• ISSN: 0952-1976; 1873-6769
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engappai.2023.107722

Organized industrial zones (OIZs) are specialized areas where industrial activities are concentrated, and various economic activities take place collectively. Within OIZs, diverse economic activities coexist, forming shared industrial spaces. However, different regions tend to cluster different economic activities within OIZs. Given the significance of determining suitable economic activities for OIZs, developing a model for this decision problem, and testing its practical applicability is crucial. This research presents a multi-criteria decision-making approach to develop an economic activity selection model for OIZs. This model is based on type-2 neutrosophic numbers (T2NNs). Furthermore, two T2NNs aggregation operators, namely T2NN Schweizer–Sklar weighted arithmetic mean and T2NN Schweizer–Sklar weighted geometric mean aggregation operators, are developed based on the Schweizer-Sklar operations for use in determining decision-maker weights and ranking economic activities. The T2NN-based criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method is employed for criterion weighting. An algorithm specific to the proposed model is devised for ranking economic activities. As a case study, this algorithm is applied to the Artvin-Arhavi OIZ, which is in the process of establishment in Turkey. Sensitivity and comparative analyses are conducted to assess the robustness of the developed aggregation operators and the model. In the case study findings, the most significant criterion is identified as investment risk, and forestry, logging, and related service activities are determined as the best economic activity. This research contributes to the field by introducing the model and novel aggregation operator for the selection of economic activities in OIZs. •The neutrosophic Schweizer-Sklar-based model is proposed for decision analysts.•The advanced T2NNSSWAM and T2NNSSWGM aggregation operators are introduced.•The problem of assessing economic activities in organized industrial zones is solved.•The developed T2NN-based framework is generalizable, adaptable, and robust.•Strategic- and operational-level implications for decision-makers in OIZs are given.