Prioritizing Sustainability Innovation in Machinery Manufacturing: A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Case Study

Sustainability is a key focus for the machinery manufacturing industry, aiming to align innovation with environmental and economic goals. This research proposes an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)-based framework to evaluate and rank sustainability-focused innovation criteria. The model was validated using 54,054 projects from CORDIS and TÜBİTAK and a survey of 46 experts from academia, industry, and the public sector. According to AHP results, Economic Criteria ranked highest (46%), followed by Product-Related Environmental (18%), Market (16%), Process-Related Environmental (13%), and Social Criteria (7%). Product Cost (45%), Elimination of Hazardous Substances (30%), and Occupational Health and Safety (29%) ranked highest among sub-criteria, reflecting the dominance of financial and regulatory priorities. Social and process-related criteria were less prioritized unless linked to regulatory compliance. The framework provides a practical tool for innovation leaders and policymakers aiming to embed sustainability in strategic planning. It aligns with global initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, contributing to both theory and practice in industrial sustainability.