- Journal
- BUSINESS STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT
- Année
- 2026
- Volume
- 9
- Numéro
- 1
- Article
- e70316
- Mois
- MAR 19
- DOI
- 10.1002/bsd2.70316
Abstract
This paper explores the critical success drivers essential for the effective adoption of Society 5.0 in the manufacturing sector of developing countries while examining their alignment with the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs). This research uses a multi-phase approach, employs a two round Delphi process with 10 domain experts, followed by the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique (DEMATEL) approach that develops the interrelations and ranking of the drivers. Finally, the study maps these drivers to relevant SDGs through expert evaluation and by the help of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The study reveals that ``Engaging with patrons and end-users to comprehend their requisites and anticipations,'' ``Investing in infrastructure and platforms that facilitate connectivity, interoperability, and security,'' and ``Harmonizing policies and regulations with the core principles and objectives of Society 5.0'' emerge as the top three critical success drivers. These drivers demonstrate significant linkages to SDGs, particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), indicating their central role in fostering sustainable adoption of Society 5.0 in manufacturing industries. This study uses a framework based on Delphi-DEMATEL-AHP to identify, prioritize and map core determinants of success of Society 5.0 implementation in manufacturing industries of the developing economies. The findings emphasize customer and end-user engagement, investment in the infrastructure, and policy harmonization as the most impactful drivers with strong interconnections with the SDGs 9, 12, and 17. The combination of expert opinions, causal analysis, and SDG priorities provides the study with a methodological channel of aligning the digital transformation strategies with the sustainable development requirements.