The role of Society 5.0 in achieving sustainable development: a spherical fuzzy set approach

Society 5.0 promotes the use of artificial intelligence in human life and the return of humanity to the center of the world. Society 5.0 seeks to achieve economic growth while overcoming social and environmental challenges, contributing to the welfare of the global community. The purpose of this study is to explore how digital transformations introduced by Society 5.0 can contribute to the realization of sustainable development? To answer this question, the study primarily used the systematic literature review method to identify the dimensions and indicators that would quantify the role of Society 5.0 in achieving sustainable development. Then, the study utilized the total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) method to construct the conceptual model. Through spherical fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (SF-AHP) and spherical fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (SF-DEMATEL), the importance and influence of the indicators were determined. The results revealed that the most important indicators were “super-smart society” and “implementing circular economy to decrease environmental waste.” The novelty of this research can be found in its application of the spherical fuzzy approach to examine the impacts of Society 5.0 smart technologies on achieving sustainable development, by addressing five major dimensions (governmental, economic, social, environmental, and technological). The findings could help managers to more effectively respond to the challenges of sustainable development by relying on Society 5.0.