Using the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method and VIKOR Method to Rank Leading Manufacturing Industries in Iran

The manufacturing sector is one of the principal components in economic development plans. Identifying the key sectors and “take-off” industries as the driving force behind economic growth is crucial for investment priorities and resource allocation. Accordingly, the main objective of this research is to rank and identify key sectors based on ISIC Dual Codes in 23 sub-sectors of Iranian manufacturing industries. The data given by the Statistical Centre of Iran was implemented by surveying manufacturing establishments with 10 or more workers during the period from 2008 to 2013. Selected industries were ranked by forming a composite index based on 9 criteria, which were obtained by using the FBWM-VIKOR Methods. These criteria consist of: export value, labor service compensation, energy efficiency, labor productivity, investment, added value, production value, number of workshops, and the number of employees. The results indicate that, chemical production, food and drinking, and basic metals industries could be the leading sectors in promoting Iranian economical growth.