Study
Felix Wemmer, Prof. Dr. Jörg Königstorfer (both Technische Universität München) and Prof. Dr. Eike Emrich’s (Saarland University) study is based on that sports clubs have difficulties introducing innovations in their clubs. At the same time the competitive situation of sports clubs with other (sports) service providers has increased over the years, which can be an opportunity and a powerful driver for innovation. In order to acquire adequate knowledge, it may be useful to cooperate and team up with market rivals (coopetition) to introduce suitable innovations. Based on 292 club surveys, the study examines whether associations that cooperate with competitors to a greater extent, actually integrate more external knowledge into their club and if this in turn translates into more innovation and a better membership/financial situation.
Result and implications
The results of the study show that clubs that use more coopetition also demonstrate an improved membership situation and greater financial stability. This effect can be explained via a higher integration of external knowledge resulting in an increased number of innovations in these clubs. In addition, the study shows that the integration of external knowledge does not only have a positive effect on the number of innovations, but also has a direct positive effect on the membership and financial situation of the clubs. The results should encourage clubs to work with competitors of the sports market. Not only in order to facilitate the search for suitable innovations for the club, but in particular in order to acquire adequate knowledge which has a multisided positive effect on important facets, such as the membership and financial situation.
Contact
Chair of Sport & Health Management
Prof. Dr. Jörg Königstorfer
Secretary: Mirjam Eggers
Uptown München Campus D
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich
Phone: +49.89.289.24559
Fax +49.89.289.24642
info.mgt@sg.tum.de