An Empirical Framework for Evaluating Environmental Sustainability Through the Circular Economy and Eco-Innovation: A Nudge-MCDM Approach for Chinese Provinces

As the world focuses more on the Sustainable Development Goals, there is a growing need to assess applied environmental improvement actions across regions. In this research, we suggest that policymakers prioritize the Circular Economy (CE) and Eco-Innovation (EI) to enhance decision making in response to environmental sustainability challenges. Our research offers a groundbreaking framework that integrates CE and EI concepts, providing an innovative lens for monitoring and comparing improvements in environmental sustainability. This approach not only identifies provinces excelling in environmental sustainability strategies but also sheds light on the ones going through demanding situations in regions like uneven improvement and environmental aid control. Considering the provinces of China as a macro-case study, the proposed framework precisely integrates nudge theory with the simultaneous assessment of criteria and options (SECA) methodology, enriched by professional insights and a comprehensive literature review. The findings show that Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Shandong are the most environmentally sustainable provinces for growth. Other provinces and areas that struggle with inconsistent growth and ecological aid management due to difficult circumstances include Tibet, Qinghai, and Hainan. Our findings make appreciable contributions to the discourse on environmental sustainability.