Title: Ranking the solutions to mitigate sustainable innovation implementation barriers using a BWM-COPRAS approach

Authors: Pankaj C. Shete; Zulfiquar N. Ansari; Ravi Kant

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Karmaveer Adv. Baburao Ganpatrao Thakare College of Engineering, Nashik, 422013, India ' Institute of Business Management, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, S.V. National Institute of Technology, Surat, 395007, India

Abstract: This study aims to prioritise the solutions for effectively minimising the barriers to sustainable innovation implementation. Based on the literature review and discussion with an expert panel, barriers and solutions to overcome these barriers are identified. The best-worst method (BWM) is used to compute each barrier's relative weights, and the Complex Proportional Assessment method (COPRAS) is used to prioritise and select the most effective solution. The suggested framework is numerically illustrated by applying it to a manufacturing organisation. The findings show that organisational change synchronised with innovative technological change is the top-ranked solution. In addition, sensitivity analysis is performed to check the robustness of the proposed BWM-COPRAS framework. This study will help policymakers better understand the obstacles that obstruct the effective implementation of sustainable innovation in manufacturing organisations. It will also aid the decision-makers in tackling the barriers through systematic implementation of the solutions.

Keywords: sustainable supply chain management; sustainable innovation; barriers; solutions; BWM; best-worst method; COPRAS; Complex Proportional Assessment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPSCM.2025.150384

International Journal of Business Performance and Supply Chain Modelling, 2025 Vol.15 No.4, pp.364 - 395

Received: 14 May 2024
Accepted: 24 Apr 2025

Published online: 12 Dec 2025 *

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