Artificial Intelligence and MCDA in Circular Economy: Governance Strategies and Optimization for Reverse Supply Chains of Solid Waste

The integration of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the governance of reverse supply chains for solid waste (RSCSW) within a circular economy framework. However, the existing literature lacks a systematic assessment of the effectiveness of t...

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Main Authors: Joel Joaquim de Santana Filho, Arminda do Paço, Pedro Dinis Gaspar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/9/4758
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author Joel Joaquim de Santana Filho
Arminda do Paço
Pedro Dinis Gaspar
author_facet Joel Joaquim de Santana Filho
Arminda do Paço
Pedro Dinis Gaspar
author_sort Joel Joaquim de Santana Filho
collection DOAJ
description The integration of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the governance of reverse supply chains for solid waste (RSCSW) within a circular economy framework. However, the existing literature lacks a systematic assessment of the effectiveness of these methods compared to traditional waste management practices. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR), following PRISMA guidelines and the P.I.C.O. framework, to investigate how MCDA and AI can optimize governance, operational efficiency, and the sustainability of RSCSW. After collecting 1139 articles, 22 were selected and used for analysis. The results indicate that hybrid MCDA-AI models, employing techniques, such as TOPSIS, AHP, neural networks, and genetic algorithms, enhance decision-making automation, reduce costs, and improve waste traceability. Nevertheless, regulatory barriers and technological challenges still hinder large-scale adoption. This study proposes an innovative framework to address these gaps and drive evidence-based public policies. The findings provide guidelines for policymakers and managers, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda and advancements in circular economy governance.
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spelling doaj-art-aa8fdefd88bf46128dcd25e367f2507b2025-08-20T02:59:14ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-04-01159475810.3390/app15094758Artificial Intelligence and MCDA in Circular Economy: Governance Strategies and Optimization for Reverse Supply Chains of Solid WasteJoel Joaquim de Santana Filho0Arminda do Paço1Pedro Dinis Gaspar2Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, PortugalDepartment of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, PortugalDepartment of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, PortugalThe integration of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the governance of reverse supply chains for solid waste (RSCSW) within a circular economy framework. However, the existing literature lacks a systematic assessment of the effectiveness of these methods compared to traditional waste management practices. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR), following PRISMA guidelines and the P.I.C.O. framework, to investigate how MCDA and AI can optimize governance, operational efficiency, and the sustainability of RSCSW. After collecting 1139 articles, 22 were selected and used for analysis. The results indicate that hybrid MCDA-AI models, employing techniques, such as TOPSIS, AHP, neural networks, and genetic algorithms, enhance decision-making automation, reduce costs, and improve waste traceability. Nevertheless, regulatory barriers and technological challenges still hinder large-scale adoption. This study proposes an innovative framework to address these gaps and drive evidence-based public policies. The findings provide guidelines for policymakers and managers, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda and advancements in circular economy governance.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/9/4758multi-criteria decision analysisartificial intelligencereverse supply chainscircular economysolid waste managementsustainability
spellingShingle Joel Joaquim de Santana Filho
Arminda do Paço
Pedro Dinis Gaspar
Artificial Intelligence and MCDA in Circular Economy: Governance Strategies and Optimization for Reverse Supply Chains of Solid Waste
Applied Sciences
multi-criteria decision analysis
artificial intelligence
reverse supply chains
circular economy
solid waste management
sustainability
title Artificial Intelligence and MCDA in Circular Economy: Governance Strategies and Optimization for Reverse Supply Chains of Solid Waste
title_full Artificial Intelligence and MCDA in Circular Economy: Governance Strategies and Optimization for Reverse Supply Chains of Solid Waste
title_fullStr Artificial Intelligence and MCDA in Circular Economy: Governance Strategies and Optimization for Reverse Supply Chains of Solid Waste
title_full_unstemmed Artificial Intelligence and MCDA in Circular Economy: Governance Strategies and Optimization for Reverse Supply Chains of Solid Waste
title_short Artificial Intelligence and MCDA in Circular Economy: Governance Strategies and Optimization for Reverse Supply Chains of Solid Waste
title_sort artificial intelligence and mcda in circular economy governance strategies and optimization for reverse supply chains of solid waste
topic multi-criteria decision analysis
artificial intelligence
reverse supply chains
circular economy
solid waste management
sustainability
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/9/4758
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AT armindadopaco artificialintelligenceandmcdaincirculareconomygovernancestrategiesandoptimizationforreversesupplychainsofsolidwaste
AT pedrodinisgaspar artificialintelligenceandmcdaincirculareconomygovernancestrategiesandoptimizationforreversesupplychainsofsolidwaste