Utilising the social and economic potential of sport

Sport represents an integral part of the lives of millions of Europeans through the practice of sport, volunteering in sport, employment in sport, providing goods and services for sport, etc. Sport builds community cohesion, grows social inclusion and leads to an enhanced sense of European identity. It is also a growing industry that employs millions of European citizens and adds billions in revenue. The role that it plays in the chronic disease prevention has a direct impact on the quality of life of citizens and their ability to remain healthy and productive workers thus contributing to the European economy.

In focus

In recent years, several studies have evidenced the contribution of sport to local and regional development in Europe. However, the potential of sport is still underestimated, and thus under-funded across territories. The purpose of this project is therefore to articulate how investments in sport can contribute to policy objectives.

Good governance

Promoting and supporting good governance is the main objective of the project. It promotes accountability, transparency, effectiveness and efficiency of policy-makers and decision-makers on all levels of government.

Tools and resources

Researchers are developing the tool to calculate the economic impact of an investment by following the supply chain back through the whole economic network in the European Union. Other resources include the Guidelines on Investments in Sport, and the Recommendations for Policy-Makers.

Latest news & events

European conference on investments in sport

European conference on investments in sport was organised online on 20 December 2021. Initially planned to take place in-person at the Croatian Chamber of Economy in Zagreb, Croatia, the COVID-19 restrictions that were imposed a week before the conference caused a last-minute change to the online format, which affected the initially planned length, number of speakers and the amount of content to be presented at the conference.

Alma Papić, December 22, 2020

Conference on investments in sport

Croatian conference on investments in sport was held on 30 November 2020 at the Croatian Chamber of Economy in Zagreb. The conference was co-organised by the Croatian Olympic Committee, and the Croatian Chamber of Economy

Alma Papić, December 2, 2020

Invitation to the 7th conference on investments in sport

The Croatian Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 7th national conference entitled “Investments in Sport” organised within the project under the same title (Investments in Sport, abbr. iSport), which was co-funded by the Erasmus+: Sport Programme of the European Union. Participants may follow the conference online.

Alma Papić, November 29, 2020

Economic impact of COVID-19 on sport

This is your chance to help the European Commission and join with many other similar organisations in telling us your views on approaches that will help the sport sector deal with the economic impact of COVID-19. More at: https://isport2020.eu/covid19/    

Alma Papić, September 3, 2020

Position paper on the impact of COVID-19 crisis on sport

More than 30 sport and sport-related associations, including a number of associations on a national level, have agreed on a common position paper entitled „Position paper on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the sport sector”. In the introduction of the position paper the importance of sport for the economy of the European Union

Alma Papić, April 16, 2020

Conference on investments in sport

Cypriot conference on investments in sport was held on 12 March 2020 at the premises of the Cyprus Sport Organisation in Nicosia.

Alma Papić, March 30, 2020

Activities, meeting and events