Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 1. Ph.D Candidate on Sport Management, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2 Associate professor on sport management, Sport Medicine Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
3 . Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Esfahan (khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran
Abstract
This study aims to identify key uncertainties in sports startups with a foresight approach until the year 1414. It is a mixed-methods research, utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods. In the qualitative section, qualitative content analysis was employed, while in the quantitative section, fuzzy Delphi and structural analysis approaches were used. The participants consisted of sports startup owners and enthusiasts in the qualitative part, and experts and professors in the quantitative part. In the qualitative section, purposive sampling was used to select participants, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 individuals based on theoretical saturation. In the quantitative section, purposive sampling was also employed, and 10 individuals were selected based on predetermined criteria. The data collection instruments included semi-structured interviews for the qualitative study and questionnaires and a 36x36 matrix for the quantitative study, which were validated and reliable. Data analysis revealed that the growth of the sports equipment industry, private sector investment in startups, the utilization of innovative technologies in startups, and increased competition in the sports industry market are the four key uncertainties for sports startups by 1414. Therefore, it can be concluded that these four factors are the most significant drivers of change in sports startups, and it is essential for sports startups to monitor the trends of these drivers and align their goals based on their changes before formulating their policies and plans.
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