Meybod University Strategic Management Accounting 3092-6890 3 1 2026 03 21 Analyzing and Ranking of Critical Success Factors in the Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Circular Economy for Achieving a Smart and Sustainable Supply Chain With the DEMATEL Approach Analyzing and Ranking of Critical Success Factors in the Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Circular Economy for Achieving a Smart and Sustainable Supply Chain With the DEMATEL Approach 1 31 239137 10.22034/smajournal.2026.565578.1280 FA Mohammad Zarei Mahmoudabadi Department of Management, Faculty of Humanities, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran. 0000-0001-9544-2490 Amirmahdi Torkzaban MSc. Student of Performance Management, Department of Management, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran 0009-0003-5861-8946 Journal Article 2025 12 11 The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) in the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Circular Economy (CE) within the context of Smart and Sustainable Supply Chains (SSC). This research is applied in nature, with a descriptive-survey approach for data collection. The data were gathered through bibliographic studies and surveys from industry experts and academic professionals, and analyzed using the DEMATEL technique. The Critical Success Factors in the integration of AI and Circular Economy in Smart and Sustainable Supply Chains were identified across five dimensions: managerial, technological, network collaboration, process, and sustainability. The DEMATEL analysis revealed that managerial and technological dimensions are recognized as the primary causal and impactful factors, while process and sustainability dimensions are most affected by other areas. Furthermore, the network collaboration dimension plays a key mediating role between managerial and sustainability dimensions, with the highest overall correlation. The results led to the development of an integrated conceptual framework, demonstrating that the integration of AI and Circular Economy, through enhancing the managerial, technological, and network collaboration dimensions, can optimize processes, promote sustainability, and lead to the creation of a smart and resilient supply chain. This framework elucidates the causal and structural relationships between the critical success factors and provides a pathway for achieving sustainable development and competitive advantage for organizations. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) in the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Circular Economy (CE) within the context of Smart and Sustainable Supply Chains (SSC). This research is applied in nature, with a descriptive-survey approach for data collection. The data were gathered through bibliographic studies and surveys from industry experts and academic professionals, and analyzed using the DEMATEL technique. The Critical Success Factors in the integration of AI and Circular Economy in Smart and Sustainable Supply Chains were identified across five dimensions: managerial, technological, network collaboration, process, and sustainability. The DEMATEL analysis revealed that managerial and technological dimensions are recognized as the primary causal and impactful factors, while process and sustainability dimensions are most affected by other areas. Furthermore, the network collaboration dimension plays a key mediating role between managerial and sustainability dimensions, with the highest overall correlation. The results led to the development of an integrated conceptual framework, demonstrating that the integration of AI and Circular Economy, through enhancing the managerial, technological, and network collaboration dimensions, can optimize processes, promote sustainability, and lead to the creation of a smart and resilient supply chain. This framework elucidates the causal and structural relationships between the critical success factors and provides a pathway for achieving sustainable development and competitive advantage for organizations.

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