Work

Identifying sustainability barriers to 4D printing adoption in manufacturing using a hesitant fuzzy DEMATEL approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Despite the growing body of literature on 4D printing and sustainable manufacturing, existing studies largely focus on technological advancements, material innovations, or isolated barrier identification without systematically analysing the interdependencies among these barriers. Furthermore, prior research has rarely incorporated uncertainty-aware decision-making frameworks capable of capturing expert hesitation in evaluating complex, emerging technologies. In addition, the absence of a structured sustainability-oriented causal framework limits the ability of policymakers and practitioners to prioritise interventions effectively. To address these gaps, this study integrates hesitant fuzzy set theory with the DEMATEL approach to model causal relationships among sustainability barriers under uncertainty. Unlike prior studies, this research provides a quantified cause–effect structure, identifies key driving barriers, and develops sustainability indicators that offer actionable insights for both academia and industrial practice. Thus, the study contributes to advancing methodological rigor and practical relevance in sustainable manufacturing research.

Source: Discover Sustainability

DOI: 10.1007/s43621-026-03456-7

Author: Naif Alsaadi

Institution: King Abdulaziz University

Language: English

Topic: Multi-Criteria Decision Making

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,390