Elena Radicchi

Tourism and sport: strategic synergies to enhance the sustainable development of a local context.

Abstract In recent years sport has become a phenomenon of large dimensions and it is an important resource for the development of a local context (Hautbois, Desbordes, 2008; Maier, Weber, 1993; Weed, Bull, 2004). The combination of physical and sports practices within a natural environment (outdoor) broadens the range of activities that people can choose in their free time (nordic walking, hiking, rediscovering rural districts, walking and cycling in urban spaces, etc.). The demand of this kind of activities is continuously evolving. Sports tourism is a new opportunity for the development of tourism offer. Cities, regions, rural areas, etc. through the exploitation of local resources, vocations and specializations can promote a destination in terms of reputation and tourism flows. This research aims to stimulate a reflection on the role that the synergies between tourism and sport, combined with the use of resources, services and local products (cultural and artistic paths, local artefacts, wine tastings, etc.) may have for the development of a specific territory and its socio-economic environment.

Social Talent Scouting: A New Opportunity for the Identification of Football Players?

Abstract This paper investigates the diffusion of digital technologies within the football talent scouting process. A qualitative exploration based on open discussions and unstructured interviews with professionals involved in the football system (coaches, scouts, players’ agents, etc.) provides insights about how new technologies are used for recruiting athletes. The findings, which are mainly in the context of Italian football, indicate a cultural and generational gap in the use of new digital tools that creates a mismatch between young promising athletes (demand side) and “senior” team professionals (supply side).

Sports Sponsorship Evolution in the Economic Recession: Analytical Evidence from Empirical Cases

Abstract Sport sponsorship has developed into a major global industry. Even though it is still a significant communication tool for companies, in recent years, sponsorship is no more just a matter of exposing a logo on a jersey or purchasing an in-stadium sign. Rather sponsors and sport entities should engage in an activity that enables them to exchange value. Sponsorships are moving toward complex patterns of interactions in which each “player” is engaged in a meaningful activity that can deliver mutual benefits. The aim of the paper is to analyze the sport sponsorship’s evolution in the latest economic recession. To understand the patterns of relations among different actors involved within a sport sponsorship arrangement, we take as “interpretive lenses” the strategic partnerships’ theoretical framework and make an application to a wide range of empirical sponsorship cases. Our main focus are national and international sponsorships related to professional teams and major sports events in which we are able to underline roles and strategic behaviors of sponsors and sport entities. The empirical analysis has been supported by a qualitative methodology. Data and information has been gathered using online secondary sources. Moreover, interviews with key executives and professionals involved within several sport sponsorships deals have been carried out. Findings suggest that sport sponsorships are assuming the role of a huge variety of agreements-exchange transactions, collaborations, strategic alliances, cooperation, consortia, etc.-that involve multiple complementary assets (technology, distribution channels, financial resources, etc.) and functions (R & D, marketing, organization, etc.). Furthermore, by implementing sports partnerships corporate and/or institutional actors are able to emerge among various stakeholders and to gain a global exposure.