Examining the enablers of sustainable entrepreneurship – an interpretive structural modelling technique

Abstract

Purpose The General Assembly recognized the critical contribution of entrepreneurship to sustainable development in its resolution 73/225 on entrepreneurship for sustainable development by accelerating economic growth and innovation and addressing social and environmental challenges in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Hence, it is important to understand the variables influencing entrepreneurs’ aspirations for sustainable enterprises to promote sustainable entrepreneurial activity for sustainable development. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the enablers affecting the adoption of sustainable entrepreneurship practices by the entrepreneurs in India. Design/methodology/approach This study has been conducted in three steps. The first step includes the identification of enablers from the extensive review of the literature followed by the second step of finalization of enablers by experts’ opinion. Finally, in the third step, enablers are analysed using interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Findings After the extensive literature review and opinion of 100 millennial experts, 11 enablers are identified. In the third step, ISM is applied to develop a hierarchical model for the enablers affecting the adoption of sustainable entrepreneurial practice and to establish the contextual relationships among those enablers. Research limitations/implications This study can be used by practitioners and policymakers to further validate the driving enablers for developing sustainability-driven entrepreneurial intention and to increase the adoption of sustainable practices by entrepreneurs. Originality/value This study is based on the ISM providing significant insights related to enablers affecting the adoption of sustainable entrepreneurial practices. It provides valuable knowledge to entrepreneurial researchers and practitioners.