An interpretive structural modelling—analytic network process approach for analysing green entrepreneurship barriers

Entrepreneurship is one of the issues that plays a key role in the economic growth and development of countries. This economic development and technological advancement have caused environmental damage, which has led entrepreneurs to move towards sustainable production and green entrepreneurship. There are, however, challenges and barriers in front of green entrepreneurs. Hence, this article aims to identify the barriers and challenges of green entrepreneurship in Iran and explore their Interactions and prioritization. To achieve this goal, two quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. In the qualitative approach, using the Fuzzy Delphi method and using expert opinions in this field, 16 factors were identified. In the quantitative phase, the ISM-ANP combination approach was used. First, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) was used to analyze the Interactions between these factors. Finally, using the ISM output, the analytic network process (ANP) method was used to prioritize these barriers. The results showed that the factor of reducing budget allocations and investing in green entrepreneurship in the first priority and the factor of high investment costs in the last priority. Given that so far few studies have been conducted in Iran on the barriers to green entrepreneurship, this paper provides a basis for understanding the various factors that prevent the implementation of green entrepreneurship. Also the analysis of these barriers by using the ISM-ANP approach is a new attempt and important in the field green entrepreneurship.