International collaboration formation in entrepreneurial food industry: evidence of an emerging economy

Purpose International collaboration is a crucial requirement of entrepreneurship, particularly in developing emerging economies. This seems so necessary the food industry as major contributor to environmental, social and economic problems. paper aims identify, analyse influential network relationship prioritise key success factors (KSFs) international formation entrepreneurial with case study on Iran's economy. Design/methodology/approach To identify list KSFs, qualitative method, literature review, initially used. A quantitative fuzzy-Delphi, then employed finalise main KSFs based experts' opinion. causal relationship, fuzzy decision-making trial evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)-analytic process (ANP) methodology, i.e. FDANP, applied. At first stage, cause–effect diagram extracted using DEMATEL then, weights priorities are evaluated ANP. Findings The results illustrate that characteristics effective development workers leading dimension successful directly affects other dimensions. On hand, increased marketing trading most important KSF related team capabilities professionalism. casual role members also plays vital strategic communication issues affecting success, e.g. market research new product development. Availability financial resources ability partners continuous financing required factor for collaboration. Originality/value Using an extensive review extract finalising them fuzzy-Delphi method examining cause-effect relations between them, well prioritising contributions this paper.