Article: A systematic literature mapping of multicriteria decision-making methods for assessing technology criticality Journal: International Journal of Management and Decision Making (IJMDM) 2026 Vol.25 No.3 pp.215 - 241 Abstract: In recent years, the need for innovation has heightened the relevance of evaluating critical technologies. In this regard, multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are suitable for critical technologies prioritisation when conflicts arise between alternatives and criteria. This paper presents a systematic literature mapping to identify trends in MCDM approaches and application fields on this context, highlighting research gaps. After filtering, 91 documents formed the bibliometric stage and 42 the content stage. The research shows the topic's growing importance, especially since 2021. Various approaches have been applied in different prioritisation, indicating the need for customised methods. However, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) emerged as a prominent keyword, with Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) also relevant. The primary issues addressed were related to energy and environmental solutions, revealing a knowledge gap in fields like defence and health. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: A systematic literature mapping of multicriteria decision-making methods for assessing technology criticality

Authors: Pablo Santos Torres; Marcos dos Santos; Antonio Eduardo Carrilho da Cunha

Addresses: Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Praça General Tibúrcio, 80 – Urca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22290-270, Brazil ' Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Praça General Tibúrcio, 80 – Urca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22290-270, Brazil ' Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Praça General Tibúrcio, 80 – Urca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22290-270, Brazil

Abstract: In recent years, the need for innovation has heightened the relevance of evaluating critical technologies. In this regard, multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are suitable for critical technologies prioritisation when conflicts arise between alternatives and criteria. This paper presents a systematic literature mapping to identify trends in MCDM approaches and application fields on this context, highlighting research gaps. After filtering, 91 documents formed the bibliometric stage and 42 the content stage. The research shows the topic's growing importance, especially since 2021. Various approaches have been applied in different prioritisation, indicating the need for customised methods. However, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) emerged as a prominent keyword, with Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) also relevant. The primary issues addressed were related to energy and environmental solutions, revealing a knowledge gap in fields like defence and health.

Keywords: multicriteria methods; technology assessment; critical technology; decision support; literature mapping; research trends; multicriteria decision methods; MCDM; MCDA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2026.153679

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2026 Vol.25 No.3, pp.215 - 241

Received: 01 Jul 2024
Accepted: 01 Jun 2025
Published online: 21 May 2026 *

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Title: A systematic literature mapping of multicriteria decision-making methods for assessing technology criticality

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