Digitalization in action sports: blessing or curse?

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify how the use of digital technology for performance and commercial aspects of action sports can both create and destruct value.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory research based on 30 interviews with coaches, athletes, judges, federations, fans and sponsoring organizations from Europe, across five action sport disciplines that are included in the Olympic program.

Findings

Value creation of digital technology use related to the performance aspect of action sports fall into two categories: performance enhancement and performance evaluation. Value creation related to the commercialization aspect of action sports relate to specific technologies, in particular a video streaming and a centralized data and engagement platform, as well as to possibilities for betting and making sponsoring more measurable. Notably, such value creation opportunities are also accompanied by possible value destruction, as they interfere with the ethos of action sports (i.e. the unique nature and special culture).

Originality/value

Drawing from service-dominant logic and adopting the value creation/destruction lens, this paper is the first to study how digitalization in the areas of performance and commercialization may further intensify tensions related to the ethos of action sports. Our approach is inclusive in terms of the types of digital technologies, action sport disciplines and stakeholders considered.