SPORT - New trends in SPORTs management: emerging technologies and sustainability
I EDITION | ON SITE | APPLICATION
Deadline for Registration
March 8th, 2027
Period
May 17th - 21st, 2027
Learning objectives
The sports industry is a fast-growing and increasingly complex sector, undergoing profound transformations driven by technological innovation, evolving governance models, and rising societal expectations. In recent years, new strategic themes have emerged at the core of sports management, including digitalisation, data-driven decision-making, environmental sustainability, climate action, and social inclusion.
The Seasonal School “SPORT – New trends in SPORTs management: emerging technologies and sustainability” aims to provide participants with an advanced and integrated understanding of the major transformations currently shaping the sports sector, with a specific focus on innovation, emerging technologies, and sustainability.
The programme is designed to equip participants with analytical and operational skills to understand and manage the evolving landscape of sports organisations, including clubs, federations, leagues, and event organisers. By combining management, technological, and sustainability perspectives, the course explores how emerging technologies—such as wearable devices, robotics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence—are reshaping performance monitoring, decision-making processes, and organisational strategies in sport.
Special attention is devoted to the integration of environmental sustainability, climate change, biodiversity management, and social responsibility within sports organisations, in line with European policies, international standards and recent trends observed in sport organisations. Through the analysis of real-world case studies and best practices, participants will develop the ability to critically assess innovative and sustainable solutions, benchmark organisational performance, and design strategies that enhance both competitiveness and societal impact in the sports sector.
Teaching methodologies
Students will engage in an interactive and interdisciplinary learning environment designed to foster active participation, critical thinking, and applied problem-solving. The Seasonal School adopts a teaching approach that combines lectures with guided discussions, case study analysis, group work, and practical exercises.
Teaching cases, simulations, and collaborative activities will be used to translate theoretical concepts into realistic managerial and organisational scenarios, encouraging participants to apply analytical tools and frameworks to concrete challenges faced by sports organisations. Classroom discussions will promote peer learning and interdisciplinary exchange, allowing participants to critically reflect on technological, managerial, and sustainability-related trade-offs.
Guest lectures and testimonials from experts, practitioners, and institutional representatives will provide first-hand insights into current trends and emerging challenges in sports management, innovation, and sustainability. The programme will also include a visit to a research laboratory equipped with advanced biomechanical and performance monitoring technologies, enabling participants to observe real-world applications of wearable devices, robotics, and data-driven systems in sport. In addition, a visit to a sports organisation (such as a club, federation, or sport facility) will allow participants to directly engage with sports manager and explore how innovation, sustainability, and governance strategies are implemented in operational contexts. This field-based experience will support an applied understanding of organisational processes, decision-making dynamics, and stakeholder engagement within the sports sector.
Target participants
The Seasonal School is open to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students (or equivalent qualifications for international applicants) from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Given its strongly interdisciplinary nature, the programme welcomes participants from both social sciences and STEM disciplines, including but not limited to management, economics, engineering, data science, law, and environmental studies.
The course is particularly suited for students and early-career researchers interested in sports management, technological innovation, sustainability, and policy issues related to the sports sector. It is also relevant for those aiming to develop a systemic understanding of how innovation and sustainability can be jointly leveraged to enhance the performance, governance, and social impact of sports organisations.
Participants are expected to demonstrate strong motivation and curiosity towards emerging technologies, data-driven decision-making, and sustainability challenges in sport. A good command of written and spoken English is required to fully engage with lectures, discussions, and learning materials.
Coordinator and key teaching staff
Coordinator: Prof. Tiberio Daddi
Key teaching staff: Prof. Alberto Di Minin; Prof. Nicola Vitiello; Prof.ssa Simona Crea; Prof. Paolo Ferragina; Prof. Antonio Frisoli; Prof. Marco Frey
SDGs (https://sdgs.un.org/goals)
(5) Gender Equality
(8) Decent work and economic growth
(12) Responsible consumption and production
