Optimality Conditions for Group Sparse Constrained Optimization Problems

In this paper, optimality conditions for the group sparse constrained optimization (GSCO) problems are studied. Firstly, the equivalent characterizations of Bouligand tangent cone, Clarke tangent cone and their corresponding normal cones of the group sparse set are derived. Secondly, by using tangent cones and normal cones, four types of stationary points for GSCO problems are given: TB-stationary point, NB-stationary point, TC-stationary point and NC-stationary point, which are used to characterize first-order optimality conditions for GSCO problems. Furthermore, both the relationship among the four types of stationary points and the relationship between stationary points and local minimizers are discussed. Finally, second-order necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for GSCO problems are provided.