An analytic hierarchy process for the sustainable development of small- and medium-sized enterprises in the manufacturing sector, South Korea

The global climate action requires the manufacturing sector to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by establishing carbon pricing mechanisms. Particularly, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) do not have the resources needed to reduce emissions. The purpose of the study is to investigate which GHG reduction technologies would be appropriate for SMEs to efficiently reduce emissions by lessening the economic loss during the transition to green manufacturing. An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method is employed to prioritize the GHG reduction technologies for SMEs in the manufacturing sector. Groups with a consistency ratio (CR) below 0.1 and a group with a CR below 0.2 are divided for comparison. The results show that, in both the CR < 0.1 and CR < 0.2 groups, “Innovative industrial process” is the most essential criterion among the three criteria. Regarding the sub-criterion, “Electrification of manufacturing facilities” is the most important, followed by “Management after process”. CR < 0.1 and CR < 0.2 groups do not show a large difference in prioritization. Based on the results, it is suggested that an eco-industrial park be established to achieve progress in a collective manner. The case study of Busan metropolitan city has implications for policy-making at the national level for GHG reduction among SMEs.