Sustainability, fuzzy-set and the hall of fame: Evolving research agenda

Abstract

[EN] Fuzzy-set methodologies have great potential in case-focused analyses. Based on the principles of asymmetry and equifinality, configurational methodologies allow us to overcome the limitations of other inferential statistical methodologies. Sustainability problems are heterogeneous, and fuzzy-sets are can be helpful for developing necessary sociotechnical transitions. This study performs a bibliometric analysis of the academic literature published in the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection on fuzzy-set methodologies and their application to sustainability challenges. The start of the 2030 Agenda in January 2016 was used as a threshold to conduct comparative analysis of two sub-periods: 1984-2015 and 2016-2021. The results show that academic production and its impact strongly increased from 2016. The main collaboration networks are articulated around Asian, European, and North American countries. Moreover, since 2016, the main themes in academic debate are socio-technical transition strategies and fuzzy analysis of sustainability projects. Finally, this study sheds light on the research gaps and high-impact publication opportunities in this field. Journal editors can also consider the new research trends, highlighted in this study, which emerged after the 2030 Agenda.