Title: Optimising contract types for infrastructure projects in emerging economies: a fuzzy logic approach for sustainable development

Authors: Mohammad Hosein HoushmandRad; Ahmadreza Nadaffard

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Estahban Branch, Estahban, Iran ' Department of Economics and International Trade, Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang, China; Department of Mechanics, Mathematics and Management, Polytechnic University of Bari, Bari, Italy

Abstract: In emerging economies, sustainable infrastructure development is vital for economic integration into global markets. This study employs a fuzzy logic approach to analysis various contract types to optimise sustainable development from the employer's perspective. Utilising a descriptive research methodology, data from existing databases, and expert consensus, build-operate-transfer (BOT) and buy-back contracts were identified as optimal for promoting sustainable infrastructure. These contracts, which focus on design and construction, address the challenges of limited liquidity and technical expertise in local governments. The findings suggest that adopting these contract types can significantly enhance the development of reliable infrastructure, contributing to sustained economic growth.

Keywords: contract types; emerging economies; project delivery system; sustainable development; sustainable infrastructure; build-operate-transfer; BOT.

DOI: 10.1504/LAJMSD.2025.151044

Latin American Journal of Management for Sustainable Development, 2025 Vol.6 No.4, pp.313 - 331

Received: 14 Apr 2023
Accepted: 10 Oct 2023
Published online: 12 Jan 2026 *

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