Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 PhD Student of Sports Management, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran.
2 Professor of Sports Management, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran.
Abstract
Purpose: This research aims to identify and model structural-interpretive factors affecting innovation capacity in a digital context, aiming to enhance venue utilization and destination reach of recreational sports facilities.
Design/methodology/approach: The study population consisted of academic experts with practical experience, specifically sports management professors who are actively engaged in tourism and sports recreation. Using purposive sampling, 19 experts were selected for Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). Initially, a qualitative thematic analysis identified 11 influential factors. Later, these factors informed the development of a pairwise comparison questionnaire aligned with ISM methodology. Structural Interpretive Modeling and MICMAC analysis were used to analyze the collected data, categorizing factors into five hierarchical levels.
Findings: The ISM analysis categorized factors into five interconnected levels. Level five comprises foundational elements: entrepreneurial ecosystem capacities and technological-contextual challenges for innovation in sports tourism. Level four includes building innovation capacity within the industry-market and empowering sports tourism businesses. Level three involves the digital capabilities of business systems and the digital infrastructure of sports tourism destinations. Level two emphasizes optimizing venue utilization, enhancing the technical aspects of recreational spaces, and improving overall space utilization. Finally, level one consists of management capabilities for destination boards and enhancing the capacities of tourism boards in sports tourism. These factors demonstrate a hierarchical interaction, with foundational elements at level five influencing the operational outcomes at level one.
Originality: This study highlights the multi-dimensional and hierarchical nature of innovation capacity driven by digital transformation in sports tourism. The developed ISM framework provides a structured approach for future research and practical planning, emphasizing the importance of integrating innovation and digital technologies to enhance performance management and maximize tourism potential in recreational sports destinations.
Main Subjects
)