Special Issue Editor(s)
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- Chris Horbel, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Norway
- Pascal Stegmann, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Christoph Buck, University of Technology Augsburg, Germany
Sport, like society at large, is undergoing profound changes driven by two significant transitions: sustainability and digitalization (Mäkitie et al., 2023). Sustainability focuses on combating global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequalities, ensuring future generations inherit a fair and liveable world (Diodato et al., 2023). Meanwhile, digitalization leverages technological advancements to drive innovation, efficiency, and economic growth, reshaping industries, including sport, on multiple levels (Sareen & Haarstad, 2021). Both transitions hold significant implications for sport management, offering a mix of opportunities and challenges across environmental, social, and economic dimensions (Cury et al., 2023; McCullough, 2023; Stegmann et al., 2023).
These two types of change can interact (Muench et al., 2022). For example, sustainability efforts in sport often benefit from digital tools. The SoFi Stadium in Inglewood demonstrates how digital technologies, such as smart energy and water management systems, can significantly reduce environmental impact. Additionally, these innovations enhance fan experiences through immersive technologies (O’Donnell, 2022). Similarly, the proliferation of digital platforms like social media has amplified underrepresented voices, as seen with the IOC’s Refugee Olympic Team, which showcased the transformative potential of sport for marginalized communities (Poll, 2019). These examples illustrate the opportunities that arise from considering sustainability and digitalization as interrelated rather than separate phenomena.
Despite this overlap, much of the research in sport management has treated sustainability and digitalization as separate topics, often overlooking their potential connections. Combining digital tools with sustainability efforts can generate synergies that accelerate progress. For example, digital twins-virtual models of physical venues-allow decision-makers to simulate and optimize resource use during the design and energy management during operation of sport facilities. These tools not only reduce environmental impact but also lower operating costs, showcasing the economic benefits of aligning digitalization with sustainability goals (Rosário & Dias, 2022). Similarly, digital platforms supporting the circular economy, such as sharing and reuse models, promote material efficiency while creating new revenue opportunities for sport organizations (Gerke et al., 2024). Conversely, sustainability engagement can drive digital innovation, such as when regulatory pressures to reduce waste and improve recycling practices lead sport organizations to adopt Internet-of-Things-enabled smart waste management systems.
Virtual platforms also democratize participation in sport events, enabling individuals facing physical, financial, or geographical barriers to engage in these experiences. Digital tools further enhance diversity and inclusion in sport organizations by facilitating equitable recruitment and representation across underserved communities. Grassroots sport programs, for instance, can leverage these technologies to connect disadvantaged youth with opportunities to participate, ensuring broader access to sport. Conversely, social sustainability goals, such as promoting inclusion and reducing inequalities, can drive digital innovation through platforms for equitable access. For example, efforts to enhance democratic participation in sport organizations can inspire the development of digital voting platforms.
At the societal level, digital technologies amplify awareness and engagement with sustainability issues. Platforms that encourage eco-friendly behaviors, such as recycling or reduced consumption, can reach large audiences and inspire sustainable practices. Moreover, democratized access to health-monitoring tools and virtual participation in sport fosters inclusivity and promotes well-being, aligning digital innovations with broader sustainability objectives.
Nevertheless, these transformations are not without risks. Resistance to adopting new technologies or poor implementation strategies can undermine the benefits of digitalization (Buck et al., 2021). Similarly, sustainability efforts may face challenges like ‘greenwashing’ or focusing on superficial changes that fail to address systemic issues (Simmonds & Pielke, 2024). Integrating digital tools into sustainability strategies raises ethical concerns, including data privacy, digital exclusion, and the environmental cost of high-energy technologies like virtual reality and blockchain systems (Muench et al., 2022; Santoalha et al., 2021).
This special issue aims to address the interplay of sustainability and digitalization in sport management. Submissions may focus primarily on sustainability or digitalization but should demonstrate a meaningful connection to the other transformation. For instance, studies addressing sustainability might examine how digital technologies can enhance environmental strategies or social inclusion. Similarly, research on digitalization could explore how such advancements align with or support sustainability goals. By exploring the synergies, opportunities, and challenges of sustainability and digitalization, we, as sport management academics, can foster a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced future.
Potential Topics for Submission
Potential contributions of all methodological approaches (incl. conceptual papers) that advance research and practice of the interplay of sustainability and digitalization in sport management will be considered for publication. They might involve, but are not limited to, the following aspects:
Environmental Innovation
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- Digital tools (e.g., digital twins, Internet-of-Things, Virtual Reality) or data-driven strategies for energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
- Development of smart stadia combining sustainability and digitalization.
- Sustainable event management and mobility concepts leveraged by digital innovation.
- Circular economy approaches in sport through digital technologies.
Social Equity and Inclusivity
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- Expanding access to grassroots and youth sport via digital platforms.
- Promoting diversity and inclusivity in sport organizations through digital tools.
- Leveraging digital platforms to amplify underrepresented voices in sport.
Economic Integration
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- Creating revenue streams through sustainable and digitalized fan experiences (e.g., subscription-based VR live experiences of games)
- Sustainable supply chain management using data-driven innovations.
- Exploring financial models that integrate digital and sustainability goals in sport.
Policy and Governance
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- Regulatory frameworks to align digital and sustainability goals in sport.
- Partnerships among stakeholders for effective digital and sustainable transformations.
- Governance models for managing digital and sustainable transformation in sport organizations.
Ethical and Social Implications
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- Addressing digital exclusion and ensuring equitable access to technologies in sport.
- Managing data privacy and ethical concerns in digital applications.
- Examining the unintended social impacts of digital advancements in sport.
Health and Well-Being
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- Using digital tools to prevent injuries and monitor athlete health.
- Promoting organized physical activity and community well-being through digital platforms.
- Exploring how digital innovations can support mental and physical health in sport participants and fans.
We encourage submissions adopting diverse methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives to expand the understanding of the interplay of sustainability and digitalization in sport. Contributions should critically examine the opportunities, challenges, and implications, providing actionable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers.
In line with ESMQ’s mission to advance conceptual understanding in emerging areas of sport management, this special issue aims to inspire research and practice that navigates the complexities of sustainability and digitalization, individually and collectively. We aspire to illuminate sports’ potential to lead in shaping a sustainable and digital future by fostering dialogue and collaboration.
Submission Instructions
Submissions must follow the general ESMQ submission guidelines. Select the special issue ‘Exploring Sustainability, Digitalization, and their Interplay in Sport Management’ when submitting your paper to ScholarOne. The special issue is open for immediate submission. The full special issue is expected to be published in fall 2026.
