Examining the Importance of AI-Based Criteria in the Development of the Digital Economy: A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31181/jscda31202555Keywords:
Digital Economy, Artificial Intelligence, Best Worst Method (BWM), Multi Criteria Decision Making, Digital TransformationAbstract
As one of the main pillars of global transformation in the contemporary world, the digital economy helps create new economic and business opportunities through new technologies. In addition to improving efficiency and reducing costs, this transformation plays a vital role in the economic growth and development of various countries. Artificial intelligence, as one of the key technologies in the development of the digital economy, has a profound impact on optimizing processes, increasing productivity, and enhancing customer experience. By processing big data and providing advanced analytics, this technology makes economic decisions faster and more accurately and affects various sectors of the digital economy. In this regard, 20 key AI-based criteria in the development of the digital economy were extracted from a review of previous studies and were placed in four general categories. The four general categories include structural, organizational, technological and economic. Hesitant Fuzzy Best Worst Method (HF-BWM) was used to rank the AI-based criteria in the development of the digital economy. “Investing in innovation (C16)”, “Potent processing capabilities (C1)”, “Process automation and intelligence (C11)”, “Identifying growth opportunities (C6)” and “Adapting business models to changes (C7)” ranked one to five, respectively. Managers in the digital economy should pay attention to investing in innovation and strengthening processing infrastructure to exploit new technologies and make more accurate decisions. Process intelligence, identifying new areas of growth and adapting the business model to market changes also help improve efficiency, reduce costs, exploit new opportunities and make organizations stable in the face of rapid changes and increasing competition.
Downloads
References
Javaid, M., Haleem, A., Singh, R. P., & Sinha, A. K. (2024). Digital economy to improve the culture of industry 4.0: A study on features, implementation and challenges. Green Technologies and Sustainability, 2(2), 100083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.grets.2024.100083
Du, W., Liu, X., Liu, Y., & Xie, J. (2025). Digital Economy and carbon emission efficiency in three major urban agglomerations of China: A U-shaped journey towards green development. Journal of Environmental Management, 373, 123571. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123571
Williams, L. D. (2021). Concepts of Digital Economy and Industry 4.0 in Intelligent and information systems. International Journal of Intelligent Networks, 2, 122-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijin.2021.09.002
Wang, Z., Ma, D., & Tang, J. (2024). Asymmetric fiscal policies and digital economy development: An empirical analysis based on the global digital value chain perspective. International Review of Financial Analysis, 96, 103556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2024.103556
Meltzer, J. P. (2024). The Impact of Foundational AI on International Trade, Services and Supply Chains in Asia. Asian Economic Policy Review, 19(1), 129–147. https://doi.org/10.1111/aepr.12451
Ganichev, N. A., & Koshovets, O. B. (2021). Forcing the Digital Economy: How will the Structure of Digital Markets Change as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Studies on Russian Economic Development, 32(1), 11–22. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1075700721010056
Chen, Y. (2024). Research on the impact of the digital economy on the level of industrial structure: An empirical study of 280 cities in China. PLOS ONE, 19(3), e0298343. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298343
Ekimova, K. V. (2023). Development of the potential of the digital economy of Russian regions through artificial intelligence humanisation. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 10(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-02444-w
Lu, L., Yang, S., & Li, Q. (2024). The interaction of digital economy, artificial intelligence and sports industry development—Based on China PVAR analysis of provincial panel data. Heliyon, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25688
Hasani, A., & Haseli, G. (2024). Chapter 7—Digital transformation technologies for sustainable supply chain. In M. Deveci (Ed.), Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Computing (pp. 149–168). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-23597-9.00007-X
Ruan, J., Zou, L., Liu, R., & Pan, H. (2024). The Impact of Digital Economy Development on Regional Income Gaps: A Perspective on Multidimensional Inequality Decomposition and Threshold Effects. Mathematics, 12(24), 4024. https://doi.org/10.3390/math12244024
Wang, F., & Shen, S. (2024). Does the digital economy development improve or exacerbate income inequality? International evidence. Managerial and Decision Economics, 45(6), 4012–4038. https://doi.org/10.1002/mde.4231
Sun, H., Luo, Y., Liang, Z., Liu, J., & Bhuiyan, M. A. (2024). Digital economy development and export upgrading: Theoretical analysis based on Chinese experience. Thunderbird International Business Review, 66(4), 339–354. https://doi.org/10.1002/tie.22383
Wang, S., Jiang, X., & Khaskheli, M. B. (2024). The Role of Technology in the Digital Economy’s Sustainable Development of Hainan Free Trade Port and Genetic Testing: Cloud Computing and Digital Law. Sustainability, 16(14), Article 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146025
Zhang, W., Yang, Y., & Liang, H. (2023). A Bibliometric Analysis of Enterprise Social Media in Digital Economy: Research Hotspots and Trends. Sustainability, 15(16), Article 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612545
Akhtar, M. J., Azhar, M., Khan, N. A., & Rahman, M. N. (2023). Conceptualizing social media analytics in digital economy: Evidence from bibliometric analysis. Journal of Digital Economy, 2, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdec.2023.03.004
Ding, C., Liu, C., Zheng, C., & Li, F. (2022). Digital Economy, Technological Innovation and High-Quality Economic Development: Based on Spatial Effect and Mediation Effect. Sustainability, 14(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010216
Bertani, F., Ponta, L., Raberto, M., Teglio, A., & Cincotti, S. (2021). The complexity of the intangible digital economy: An agent-based model. Journal of Business Research, 129, 527–540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.03.041
Sidorov, A., & Senchenko, P. (2020). Regional Digital Economy: Assessment of Development Levels. Mathematics, 8(12), Article 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/math8122143
Mohammadabadi, S. M. S., Seyedkhamoushi, F., Mostafavi, M., & Peikani, M. B. Examination of AI's Role in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Patient Care. In Transforming Gender-Based Healthcare with AI and Machine Learning (pp. 221-238). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003473435
Seifi, N., Ghoodjani, E., Majd, S. S., Maleki, A., & Khamoushi, S. (2025). Evaluation and prioritization of artificial intelligence integrated block chain factors in healthcare supply chain: A hybrid Decision Making Approach. Computer and Decision Making: An International Journal, 2, 374–405. https://doi.org/10.59543/comdem.v2i.11029
Ahmadirad, Z. (2024a). Evaluating the Influence of AI on Market Values in Finance: Distinguishing Between Authentic Growth and Speculative Hype. International Journal of Advanced Research in Humanities and Law, 1(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.63053/ijrel.11
Afrasiabi, A., Faramarzi, A., Chapman, D., & Keshavarzi, A. (2025). Optimising Ground Penetrating Radar data interpretation: A hybrid approach with AI-assisted Kalman Filter and Wavelet Transform for detecting and locating buried utilities. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 232, 105567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2024.105567
Askarzadeh, A., Yung, K., & Najand, M. (2023). Managerial sentiment and predicted and opportunistic special items. Journal of Corporate Accounting & Finance, 34(3), 302–317. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcaf.22626
Ahmadirad, Z. (2024b). The Banking and Investment in the Future: Unveiling Opportunities and Research Necessities for Long-Term Growth. International Journal of Applied Research in Management, Economics and Accounting, 1(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.63053/ijmea.7
Arjmandi, H., & Zhao, X. (2024). Social Media Impact on FEMA Funding Programs. AMCIS 2024 Proceedings. https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2024/elevlife/elevlife/11
Askarzadeh, A., Kanaanitorshizi, M., Tabarhosseini, M., & Amiri, D. (2024). International Diversification and Stock-Price Crash Risk. International Journal of Financial Studies, 12(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12020047
Farzad, G., & Roshdieh, N. (n.d.). The Interplay of Destructive Work Behaviors, Organizational Citizenship Behaviors, and Fiscal Decentralization: Implications for Economic Development in Developing Countries. International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies IRJEMS, 3(8). Retrieved February 2, 2025, from https://irjems.org/irjems-v3i8p101.html
Helforoush, Z., & Sayyad, H. (2024). Prediction and classification of obesity risk based on a hybrid metaheuristic machine learning approach. Frontiers in Big Data, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdata.2024.1469981
Mirbakhsh, S., & Azizi, M. (2024). Adaptive traffic signal safety and efficiency improvement by multi objective deep reinforcement learning approach (No. arXiv:2408.00814). arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2408.00814
Kuang, Z., Su, J., Latifian, A., Eshraghi, S., & Ghafari, A. (2024). Utilizing Artificial neural networks (ANN) to regulate Smart cities for sustainable Urban Development and Safeguarding Citizen rights. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 31592. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-76964-z
Asadi, M., & Taheri, R. (2024). Enhancing Peer Assessment and Engagement in Online IELTS Writing Course through a Teacher’s Multifaceted Approach and AI Integration. Technology Assisted Language Education, 2(2), 94–117. https://doi.org/10.22126/tale.2024.11083.1058
Mohammadi, L., Asadi, M., & Taheri, R. (2024). Transforming EFL Lesson Planning with “To Teach AI”: Insights from Teachers’ Perspectives. Technology Assisted Language Education, 2(3), 46–73. https://doi.org/10.22126/tale.2025.11490.1080
Nawaser, K., Jafarkhani, F., Khamoushi, S., Yazdi, A., Mohsenifard, H., & Gharleghi, B. (2024). The Dark Side of Digitalization: A Visual Journey of Research through Digital Game Addiction and Mental Health. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 1–27. IEEE Engineering Management Review. https://doi.org/10.1109/EMR.2024.3462740
Sadeghi, S., & Niu, C. (n.d.). Augmenting Human Decision-Making in K-12 Education: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Assisting the Recruitment and Retention of Teachers of Color for Enhanced Diversity and Inclusivity. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 0(0), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/15700763.2024.2358303
Seifi, N., Keshavarz, M., Kalhor, H., Shahrakipour, S., & Adibifar, A. (2025). Ranking of Criteria Affecting the Implementation Readiness of Internet of Things in industries Using TISM and Fuzzy TOPSIS Analysis. Journal of Operations Intelligence, 3(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.31181/jopi31202533
Rahnamay Bonab, S., Haseli, G., & Jafarzadeh Ghoushchi, S. (2024). Chapter 5—Digital technology and information and communication technology on the carbon footprint. In M. Deveci (Ed.), Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Computing (pp. 101–122). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-23597-9.00005-6
Guo, C., Song, Q., Yu, M.-M., & Zhang, J. (2024). A digital economy development index based on an improved hierarchical data envelopment analysis approach. European Journal of Operational Research, 316(3), 1146–1157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2024.02.023
Hong, Z., & Xiao, K. (2024). Digital economy structuring for sustainable development: The role of blockchain and artificial intelligence in improving supply chain and reducing negative environmental impacts. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 3912. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53760-3
Wang, P., Wang, K., Wang, D., & Liu, H. (2024). The Impact of Manufacturing Transformation in Digital Economy Under Artificial Intelligence. IEEE Access, 12, 63417–63424. IEEE Access. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3396082
Lee, C.-C., Fang, Y., Quan, S., & Li, X. (2024). Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence toward the energy transition: The key role of the digital economy. Energy Economics, 135, 107654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2024.107654
Zhang, Z. (2023). The impact of the artificial intelligence industry on the number and structure of employments in the digital economy environment. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 197, 122881. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122881
Liu, G., & Wang, W. (n.d.). Strategic orientation for Chinese firms in the digital economy: A business model process formalization perspective. Asia Pacific Business Review, 0(0), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/13602381.2023.2249428
Hang, H., & Chen, Z. (2022). How to realize the full potentials of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital economy? A literature review. Journal of Digital Economy, 1(3), 180–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdec.2022.11.003
Bencsik, A. (n.d.). Challenges of Management in the Digital Economy. IJTech - International Journal of Technology. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://ijtech.eng.ui.ac.id/article/view/4461
Liang, Y., Qin, J., & Ishizaka, A. (2025). Assessment of digital economy development with the new multicriteria sorting method: DCMSort. Omega, 132, 103224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2024.103224
Huo, D., Gu, W., Guo, D., & Tang, A. (2024). The service trade with AI and energy efficiency: Multiplier effect of the digital economy in a green city by using quantum computation based on QUBO modeling. Energy Economics, 140, 107976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2024.107976
Baydaş, M., Yılmaz, M., Jović, Ž., Stević, Ž., Özuyar, S. E. G., & Özçil, A. (2024). A comprehensive MCDM assessment for economic data: Success analysis of maximum normalization, CODAS, and fuzzy approaches. Financial Innovation, 10(1), 105. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40854-023-00588-x
Wang, N. (2024). Using the Fuzzy Method and Multi-Criteria Decision Making to Analyze the Impact of Digital Economy on Urban Tourism. International Journal of Computational Intelligence Systems, 17(1), 122. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44196-024-00517-5
Deng, X., Liu, Y., & Xiong, Y. (2020). Analysis on the Development of Digital Economy in Guangdong Province Based on Improved Entropy Method and Multivariate Statistical Analysis. Entropy, 22(12), Article 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/e22121441
Rezazadeh, J., Bagheri, R., Karimi, S., Nazarian-Jashnabadi, J., & Nezhad, M. Z. (2023). Examining the impact of product innovation and pricing capability on the international performance of exporting companies with the mediating role of competitive advantage for analysis and decision making. Journal of Operations Intelligence, 1(1), 30–43. https://doi.org/10.31181/jopi1120232
Sahoo, S. K., & Goswami, S. S. (2023). A Comprehensive Review of Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Methods: Advancements, Applications, and Future Directions. Decision Making Advances, 1(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.31181/dma1120237
Haseli, G., & Sheikh, R. (2022). Base criterion method (BCM). In Multiple criteria decision making: Techniques, Analysis and Applications (pp. 17-38). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7414-3_2
Haseli, G., Sheikh, R., & Sana, S. S. (2020). Base-criterion on multi-criteria decision-making method and its applications. International Journal of Management Science and Engineering Management, 15(2), 79–88. https://doi.org/10.1080/17509653.2019.1633964
Torra, V. (2010). Hesitant fuzzy sets. International Journal of Intelligent Systems, 25(6), 529–539. https://doi.org/10.1002/int.20418
Ghoushchi, S. J., Osgooei, E., Haseli, G., & Tomaskova, H. (2021). A Novel Approach to Solve Fully Fuzzy Linear Programming Problems with Modified Triangular Fuzzy Numbers. Mathematics, 9(22), Article 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9222937
Krap, A., Bataiev, S., Bobro, N., Kozub, V., & Hlevatska, N. (2024). Examination of digital advancements: Their influence on contemporary corporate management methods and approaches. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 7, 2024spe026-2024spe026. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2024spe026
Li, Q., & Zhao, S. (2023). The Impact of Digital Economy Development on Industrial Restructuring: Evidence from China. Sustainability, 15(14), Article 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151410847
Nazarian-Jashnabadi, J., Ronaghi, M., alimohammadlu, M. and Ebrahimi, A. (2023). The framework of factors affecting the maturity of business intelligence. Business Intelligence Management Studies, 12(46), 1-39. https://doi.org/10.22054/ims.2023.74305.2346
Nazarian-Jashnabadi, J., Bonab, S. R., Haseli, G., Tomaskova, H., & Hajiaghaei-Keshteli, M. (2023). A dynamic expert system to increase patient satisfaction with an integrated approach of system dynamics, ISM, and ANP methods. Expert Systems with Applications, 234, 121010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2023.121010
Xiong, P., Yang, J., Wei, J., & Shu, H. (2024). Prediction of provincial Digital Economy Development Index based on grey combination forecasting model. Grey Systems: Theory and Application, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/GS-04-2024-0051
Nazarian Jashnabadi, J., Pooya, A., & Bagheri, R. (2023). Provide a Model for Budget Policy in University-Community Communication Programs with a System Dynamics Approach (Case Study: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad). Journal of Industrial Management Perspective, 13(1), 9–40. https://doi.org/10.48308/jimp.13.1.9
Amiri Sardari, Z., Abdoli Mohamadabadi, T., Nazarian-Jashnabadi, J., Tesoriere, G., & Campisi, T. (2024). Smart Experience and Green Health Tourism: The Moderating Role of Content Marketing. Sustainability, 16(11), 4546. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114546
Haseli, G., Nazarian-Jashnabadi, J., Shirazi, B., Hajiaghaei-Keshteli, M., & Moslem, S. (2024). Sustainable strategies based on the social responsibility of the beverage industry companies for the circular supply chain. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 133, 108253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2024.108253
Nezhad, M. Z., Nazarian-Jashnabadi, J., Mehraeen, M., & Rezazadeh, J. (2024). PERAM: An Efficient Readiness Assessment Model for the Banking Industry to Implement IoT – A Systematic Review and Fuzzy SWARA Methods. Journal of Intelligent Decision Making and Information Science, 1, 120–155. https://doi.org/10.59543/jidmis.v1i.12617
Nazarian-Jashnabadi, J., Haseli, G., & Tomaskova, H. (2024). Digital transformation for the sustainable development of business intelligence goals. In Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Computing (pp. 169-186). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-23597-9.00008-1
Mohamadabadi, T. A., Nazarian-Jashnabadi, J., Daryani, M. A., Al-Rashid, M. A., & Campisi, T. (2025). Factors affecting online customer experience of food delivery services during crisis: TISM and Delphi techniques. Sustainable Futures, 9, 100408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2024.100408
Haseli, G., Ranjbarzadeh, R., Hajiaghaei-Keshteli, M., Ghoushchi, S. J., Hasani, A., Deveci, M., & Ding, W. (2023). HECON: Weight assessment of the product loyalty criteria considering the customer decision’s halo effect using the convolutional neural networks. Information Sciences, 623, 184–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2022.12.027
Dwivedi, R., Prasad, K., Mandal, N., Singh, S., Vardhan, M., & Pamucar, D. (2021). Performance evaluation of an insurance company using an integrated Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and Best-Worst Method (BWM). Decision Making: Applications in Management and Engineering, 4(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.31181/dmame2104033d
Haseli, G., Yazdani, M., Shaayesteh, M. T., & Hajiaghaei-Keshteli, M. (2025). Logistic Hub Location Problem Under Fuzzy Extended Z-numbers to Consider the Uncertainty and Reliable Group Decision-Making. Applied Soft Computing, 112751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2025.112751
Asadabadi, M. R., Ahmadi, H. B., Gupta, H., & Liou, J. J. H. (2023). Supplier selection to support environmental sustainability: The stratified BWM TOPSIS method. Annals of Operations Research, 322(1), 321–344. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-022-04878-y
Haseli, G., Torkayesh, A. E., Hajiaghaei-Keshteli, M., & Venghaus, S. (2023). Sustainable resilient recycling partner selection for urban waste management: Consolidating perspectives of decision-makers and experts. Applied Soft Computing, 137, 110120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2023.110120
Mi, X., & Liao, H. (2019). An integrated approach to multiple criteria decision making based on the average solution and normalized weights of criteria deduced by the hesitant fuzzy best worst method. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 133, 83–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2019.05.004
Haseli, G., Sheikh, R., Wang, J., Tomaskova, H., & Tirkolaee, E. B. (2021). A novel approach for group decision making based on the best–worst method (G-bwm): Application to supply chain management. Mathematics, 9(16), 1881. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9161881
Rodriguez, R. M., Martinez, L., & Herrera, F. (2012). Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Sets for Decision Making. IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems, 20(1), 109–119. IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems. https://doi.org/10.1109/TFUZZ.2011.2170076
Haseli, G., Sheikh, R., Ghoushchi, S. J., Hajiaghaei-Keshteli, M., Moslem, S., Deveci, M., & Kadry, S. (2024). An extension of the best–worst method based on the spherical fuzzy sets for multi-criteria decision-making. Granular Computing, 9(2), 40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41066-024-00462-w
Lin, Z., Ayed, H., Bouallegue, B., Tomaskova, H., Jafarzadeh Ghoushchi, S., & Haseli, G. (2021). An Integrated Mathematical Attitude Utilizing Fully Fuzzy BWM and Fuzzy WASPAS for Risk Evaluation in a SOFC. Mathematics, 9(18), Article 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9182328
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Mahmoudreza Entezami, Sepideh Basirat, Behzad Moghaddami, Danial Bazmandeh, Dorsa Charkhian (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.