Citation: Taghavi, M.H.; Akhavan, P.;
Ahmadi, R.; Bonyadi Naeini, A.
Identifying Key Components in
Implementation of Internet of Energy
(IoE) in Iran with a Combined
Approach of Meta-Synthesis and
Structural Analysis: A Systematic
Review. Sustainability 2022, 14, 13180.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013180
Academic Editors: Luis Hernández-
Callejo, Sergio Nesmachnow and
Sara Gallardo Saavedra
Received: 4 May 2022
Accepted: 28 September 2022
Published: 14 October 2022
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Systematic Review
Identifying Key Components in Implementation of Internet of
Energy (IoE) in Iran with a Combined Approach of
Meta-Synthesis and Structural Analysis: A Systematic Review
Mir Hamid Taghavi
1
, Peyman Akhavan
2,
* , Rouhollah Ahmadi
3,
* and Ali Bonyadi Naeini
1
1
School of Management, Economics and Progress Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology,
Tehran 16846-13114, Iran
2
Department of Industrial Engineering, Qom University of Technology, Qom 1519-37195, Iran
3
School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran 16846-13114, Iran
* Correspondence: akhavan@qut.ac.ir (P.A.); ahmadi@iust.ac.ir (R.A.)
Abstract:
The increasing consumption of energy and the numerous obstacles in the way of its ex-
traction, including diminishing fossil fuels and the turn towards renewable energies, environmental
changes, a tendency towards systems of information networks, rising costs of energy and advance-
ment of technology have made the need for new technologies aimed at efficient management of
energy more imminent. The Internet of Energy (IoE) technology has been recognized as a novel and
efficient strategy that provides the necessary tools for optimal energy management. The present
study was carried out with the purpose of identifying key components in implementation of IoE in
Iran. This study is practical in its goal and descriptive-explorative in its methodology. First, the data
were categorized using the qualitative method of meta-synthesis and using the Sandelowski and
Barroso method. The statistical population of the study was the scholarly finding of 2010–2021 and
55 papers were sampled from the published works. The kappa coefficient was used to determine
reliability and quality control. The kappa coefficient calculated with SPSS equals 0.87, which falls in
the “excellent” category. Second, the frequency and importance of each component was determined
using the Shannon entropy technique. The purpose of this method is to measure the weight or
importance of each component based on frequency and to identify the key components. Third, the
MICMAC structural analysis method was used to evaluate the influence/dependence of components
by eight experts in the field of energy and determine strategic components. The purpose of this step
is to compare the results with the results of the second step of the research. The results show that
82 indicators play a role in implementation of the concept of IoE; these indicators can be divided
into ten axial categories of rules and regulations, individual and human factors, funding, techno-
logical infrastructure, cultural and social factors, security factors, technological factors, knowledge
factors, learning style, and management factors. In the Shannon entropy method, technological
infrastructure, management factors, and rules and regulations are the most significant, respectively.
In MICMAC structural analysis, the components of managerial factors, technological infrastructure,
and financing have the largest share in influence and dependence, respectively. Conclusion: The two
components of management factors and technological infrastructure can be considered as key and
strategic components in implementation of IoE in Iran.
Keywords:
IoE; optimal energy management; sustainable development; meta-synthesis; MICMAC
analysis
1. Introduction
In the 21st century, the growing demand for energy and the widespread use of fossil
fuels and traditional energy sources have been challenged by factors like the energy crisis,
environmental pollution, and global warming [
1
]. In 2011, 82% of energy was generated
Sustainability 2022, 14, 13180. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013180 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability
