Barriers to Social Responsibility Implementation in Belt and Road Mega Infrastructure Projects: A Hybrid Fuzzy DEMATEL-ISM-MICMAC Approach

Social responsibility strategies are indispensable for the sustainable development of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Nonetheless, application social (SR) policies in such mega infrastructure projects remains a pressing concern since number barriers impede effective integration SR practices. Therefore, this paper seeks to identify these determine interrelationships among them. A list was first identified from literature review expert consultation. Subsequently, survey designed collect experts’ views on interrelations barriers. The Fuzzy DEMATEL method employed analyze barriers’ causal relationships interdependencies. ISM approach used develop hierarchical structure establish driving dependence classification barriers, based power power, accomplished using MICMAC analysis. results reveal that as “The diverse institutions, cultures, conditions BRI countries”, “Lack robust laws regulations host stringent legally binding guidelines governing responsibility”, environmental frameworks standards international, national, private funds projects”, customer awareness knowledge CSR” most critical have greatest influence implementation. Identifying key their will assist decision-makers, policymakers, other stakeholders involved minimizing or overcoming them, hence increasing chances successfully integrating practices within projects.