Research Article

Causality-Centred Deep Learning–DEMATEL Framework for Technology Adoption in Turkish SMEs

Volume: 10 Number: 4 December 31, 2025
TR EN

Causality-Centred Deep Learning–DEMATEL Framework for Technology Adoption in Turkish SMEs

Abstract

This study advances an innovative methodological framework that unites deep learning, Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), and agent-based modeling (ABM) to more accurately diagnose and address the diverse operational constraints confronting Turkish SMEs. Unlike conventional, static analyses, the proposed approach first employs factor analysis and a deep neural network to pinpoint the most pivotal performance drivers. Next, DEMATEL reveals how these drivers exert causally directed influences on other domains, such as production, marketing, and market research, thereby distinguishing net “influencer” factors from net “receivers.” Finally, ABM simulates the dynamic interplay among SMEs, each featuring unique resource endowments and strategic behaviors, under varying economic and policy scenarios. We combine prioritization (DL+SHAP), causal mapping, and dynamics into a single, transparent pipeline, and synthesize strategies via scenario-based SWOT. This integrated process uncovers high-impact levers for enhancing overall performance, demonstrating that targeted interventions in technology and finance can yield widespread improvements in other challenge areas. By converging advanced machine learning with systematic causal analysis and temporal simulation, the framework furnishes a more comprehensive, data-driven basis for strategic decision-making, offering policymakers and managers deeper insights into fostering SME competitiveness and resilience.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Econometric and Statistical Methods

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 31, 2025

Submission Date

June 20, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 17, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 10 Number: 4

APA
Yerlikaya, M. A., Dilek, S., & Yerlikaya, Z. (2025). Causality-Centred Deep Learning–DEMATEL Framework for Technology Adoption in Turkish SMEs. Ekonomi Politika Ve Finans Araştırmaları Dergisi, 10(4), 1446-1470. https://doi.org/10.30784/epfad.1723677
AMA
1.Yerlikaya MA, Dilek S, Yerlikaya Z. Causality-Centred Deep Learning–DEMATEL Framework for Technology Adoption in Turkish SMEs. EPF Journal. 2025;10(4):1446-1470. doi:10.30784/epfad.1723677
Chicago
Yerlikaya, Mehmet Akif, Serkan Dilek, and Zekeriya Yerlikaya. 2025. “Causality-Centred Deep Learning–DEMATEL Framework for Technology Adoption in Turkish SMEs”. Ekonomi Politika Ve Finans Araştırmaları Dergisi 10 (4): 1446-70. https://doi.org/10.30784/epfad.1723677.
EndNote
Yerlikaya MA, Dilek S, Yerlikaya Z (December 1, 2025) Causality-Centred Deep Learning–DEMATEL Framework for Technology Adoption in Turkish SMEs. Ekonomi Politika ve Finans Araştırmaları Dergisi 10 4 1446–1470.
IEEE
[1]M. A. Yerlikaya, S. Dilek, and Z. Yerlikaya, “Causality-Centred Deep Learning–DEMATEL Framework for Technology Adoption in Turkish SMEs”, EPF Journal, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 1446–1470, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.30784/epfad.1723677.
ISNAD
Yerlikaya, Mehmet Akif - Dilek, Serkan - Yerlikaya, Zekeriya. “Causality-Centred Deep Learning–DEMATEL Framework for Technology Adoption in Turkish SMEs”. Ekonomi Politika ve Finans Araştırmaları Dergisi 10/4 (December 1, 2025): 1446-1470. https://doi.org/10.30784/epfad.1723677.
JAMA
1.Yerlikaya MA, Dilek S, Yerlikaya Z. Causality-Centred Deep Learning–DEMATEL Framework for Technology Adoption in Turkish SMEs. EPF Journal. 2025;10:1446–1470.
MLA
Yerlikaya, Mehmet Akif, et al. “Causality-Centred Deep Learning–DEMATEL Framework for Technology Adoption in Turkish SMEs”. Ekonomi Politika Ve Finans Araştırmaları Dergisi, vol. 10, no. 4, Dec. 2025, pp. 1446-70, doi:10.30784/epfad.1723677.
Vancouver
1.Mehmet Akif Yerlikaya, Serkan Dilek, Zekeriya Yerlikaya. Causality-Centred Deep Learning–DEMATEL Framework for Technology Adoption in Turkish SMEs. EPF Journal. 2025 Dec. 1;10(4):1446-70. doi:10.30784/epfad.1723677