Initiate, adopt, implement, and transfer: exploring the innovation process undergone by mega-sport event organizing committees

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This study examines how three mega-sport event organizing committees (i.e., the 2024 Paris Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games, the 2028 Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games, and United26) undergo the innovation process. Upon analyzing numerous official documents (n=1,290) and interviewing key stakeholders (n=24), findings show that mega-sport event organizers experience four main phases when innovating (i.e., initiate, adoption decision, implement, and transfer). Unique factors that impact each phase also emerge from the data (i.e., unknown future, divisive decision making, constant refinement, and tailored solutions). This study answers calls for more research on innovation in sport organizations, enhances our knowledge of the innovation process regarding temporary organizations, and provides practical implications for mega-sport event organizers seeking to innovate.

Comments

Online before print, February 20, 2025

DOI

10.1080/14413523.2025.2466923

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