Technological structure and configuration of the use of technology in European sports organizations

The sports industry faces the challenge of digital transformation. However, the degree of digitalization and technological transformation of this industry is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of the use of digital technology, digital competences in European sports organizations and to understand their technological structure. Based on approaches from economic, organizational and management theory, a questionnaire was designed and administered to a sample of 569 managers of organizations from different sports modalities and European countries (Austria: 9.0%; Cyprus: 5.8%; Ireland and the United Kingdom: 8.8%; Italy: 9.7%; Portugal: 51.8%; Spain: 14.9%). A five-point Likert-type scale was used. The results showed that they practically do not use this technology (2.45), that 43.2% do not have technologies for data analysis and 48.85% for the evaluation of tactical technical physical performance. Furthermore, this is somewhat important (3.73), moderately complicated to use (3.05) and very expensive (2.79). Nor do they have very developed digital skills (2.95). This analysis highlights the need to implement digital organizational culture, planning investment strategies in digitalization and training in digital skills.