How Can the Elite Sports in Iran Lead to the Promotion of the Sports Industry Businesses? An ISM-MICMAC Approach

Purpose: This study examines what makes elite sports and how it affects Iran's sports business and industry. An integrated approach was used to achieve this goal.Methodology: We segmented the data analysis procedure into three stages. For the fuzzy Delphi method, experts and academics were asked for their opinions on what was most important. After that, we used interpretative structural modeling (ISM) to classify the components and create a hierarchical model. The MICMAC analysis was also used to determine how the factors drive and depend on each other.Findings: This study has identified 14 factors related to ES in Iran. The model that was developed has six levels. Also, the MICMAC analysis found that three variables were independent, two were dependent, three were linked, and one was found to be autonomous.Originality: According to our knowledge, the research design presented in this article represents the first attempt to hierarchically analyze these factors and develop a model for ES in Iran, which can lead to the promotion of the sports business industry. Using the model that was made for the future of Iran's ES, preparations will need to be made, such as the following: Active diplomacy in sports (with a focus on championships and professional sports) by those who are involved and responsible for the problem; redesigning the country's sports structure for excellence and success in international arenas; There is a need to modify the goals and policies of ES to make them more coordinated with the specific goals and programs that correspond to the different scenarios that could occur: alterations to budget allocation and distribution to medal-rich and medal-prone sports; A talent search system that is built in and can be used to look for talents is also needed.