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Convex or non-convex? A new meta-frontier data envelopment analysis framework considering technology compatibility

Author

Listed:
  • Lei Chen

    (Fuzhou University)

  • Yi-Xin Lan

    (Fuzhou University)

  • Suhui Wang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

Abstract

The convexity of meta-frontier is a debated topic in data envelopment analysis (DEA). This paper claims that meta-frontier is a non-convex hull, but the production activities between the non-convex meta-frontier and the convex traditional production frontier may be feasible. Therefore, technology compatibility is defined to explain this feasibility, and a modified DEA model is constructed to evaluate the efficiency of decision-making units with technology heterogeneity and technology compatibility. Sequentially, two new meta-frontier DEA frameworks are constructed to evaluate and decompose efficiency, thereby revealing the impact of technology heterogeneity and technology compatibility on efficiency. In addition, a series of discussions are presented to analyze these two new frameworks.

Suggested Citation

  • Lei Chen & Yi-Xin Lan & Suhui Wang, 2025. "Convex or non-convex? A new meta-frontier data envelopment analysis framework considering technology compatibility," OR Spectrum: Quantitative Approaches in Management, Springer;Gesellschaft für Operations Research e.V., vol. 47(1), pages 325-346, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:orspec:v:47:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s00291-024-00753-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s00291-024-00753-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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