Sport innovation ecosystems: exploring interorganisational relationships and the impacts of ecosystem innovation on sport organisations

Sport organisations are being pushed to innovate to address the increased commercialism, professionalisation and digitalisation of the sector and the consequent new demands of customers/fans. As these organisations implement open innovation and realise that they can build their capabilities by creating or engaging in innovation ecosystems, this thesis explored innovation ecosystems in the sports industry aiming to define sport innovation ecosystem (SIE) and explain the motivations, benefits and challenges of engaging in SIEs. This study was developed through a sequential qualitative-qualitative multimethod research design consisting of a focus group and four case studies. The data was analysed through an inductive process of qualitative content analysis and enabled the identification of common themes and key characteristics of SIEs. Having both theoretical and managerial implications, this study proposed a definition of SIE based on the interorganisational relationships and interdependence between SIE actors who combine capabilities and have complementary roles in the process of innovating and creating shared value. Further to defining SIEs, this study also proposed a classification framework that outlines the key aspects of SIEs including their creation and development, identifying key actors and roles, the collaboration and value cocreation process, the strategies, and key benefits and challenges of engaging in SIEs.