Integrating Actor Interactions into Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Electric Vehicle Adoption in Germany

Sustainable Futures, vol. 12, pp. 102052

Abstract

A successful transition to more sustainable structures, e.g., in the energy or mobility sector, requires understanding the preferences of those who might be affected by the transition, whether positively or negatively. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is a prominent approach for assessing these preferences. We propose a method for Multi-Actor Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis that endogenously incorporates interactions between different actors using impact matrices, which reflect the feedback of rankings, a) on the characteristics of options, or b) on the weightings of criteria by actors. Using the example of demand and supply of private cars in Germany, we demonstrate that this assessment of feedback loops can have significant impact on preferences compared to single-actor MCDA and that it leads to an improved understanding of how actors influence each other. Our method systematically integrates key elements of interaction between actors into MCDA-based decision analyses without significantly increasing complexity, thereby maintaining practical applicability and interpretability compared to standard single-actor MCDA approaches.

Authors 4

1. Stefan Vögele corresponding

   Forschungszentrum Jülich · TU Bergakademie Freiberg

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Climate and Energy Systems – Jülich Systems Analysis, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany

   TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg, 09599, Germany

2. Matthias Grajewski Aachen Department of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics Institute for Data-Driven Technologies

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Heinrich-Mußmann-Straße 1, Jülich, 52428, Germany

   Institute for Data-Driven Technologies, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Heinrich-Mußmann-Straße 1, Jülich, 52428, Germany

3. Imke Rhoden

   Forschungszentrum Jülich · TU Bergakademie Freiberg

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Climate and Energy Systems – Jülich Systems Analysis, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany

   TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg, 09599, Germany

4. Jochen Linßen

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Climate and Energy Systems – Jülich Systems Analysis, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany