Framework construction for augmentation of resilience in critical infrastructure: Developing countries a case in point

Abstract

Infrastructure plays a vital role in the development and growth of a nation. Nevertheless, in modern times some infrastructure have become so significant that the future sustainability of the country is dependent on them. Such infrastructure is termed Critical Infrastructure (CI), a term coined in 1995 by the United States of America (USA). Thus, the USA and other developed countries have taken measures to protect and improve the resilience of their CI. However, CI is a new concept, therefore the developing countries are lacking a policy framework that could enhance the robustness of their CI. This paper aims to fill the gap by constructing a framework for the augmentation of resilience in the CI of developing countries like Pakistan. The formulation of the framework is achieved using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) based Fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (FVIKOR) technique. FAHP results in the identification of the energy sector as the most important CI whereas FVIKOR identifies data acquisition and monitoring systems as the best resilience strategy. The study recommends to the policymakers of the developing countries to follow the proposed framework of the study to devise relative guidelines for their implementation and ensure the future sustainability of their countries. The devising of a framework for the improvement of CI resilience for developing countries and the practicality of the research based on the case study of Pakistan are the principal novelties of the paper.