From resource to innovation: A decision framework for sustainable boron research infrastructure

• First robustness-focused framework for boron research institute host selection. • Hybrid Entropy–Fuzzy AHP + 5 MCDM methods (TOPSIS, VIKOR, MOORA, COPRAS, WASPAS). • Balıkesir University ranks #1 in all 15 scenarios, showing full rank stability. • Consensus tests (Borda, Kendall W, Spearman ρ) confirm decision reliability. Turkey Turkey holds nearly 73% of the world’s boron reserves, granting it a strategic advantage in developing boron-based materials and technologies. Despite this geological