Analysis of effective drivers in the development of the sports industry using the futures research approach

Today, the pervasiveness of the sports industry is considered as a tool for development in political, economic, social, cultural, etc.; therefore, the need to explain the factors affecting the growth and development of this tool can be effective in achieving the goals and strategic policies of countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the drivers of effective development of the sports industry using the futures research approach.

The present research is applied in terms of purpose and nature-based on futuristic, analytical and exploratory methods that were performed qualitatively; it is also a method of collecting documentary and library information, and the required information was obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 28 qualified experts from all over the country, which included 9 drivers and 68 main indicators. To analyze the collected data, a 9-in-9 matrix cross-effects matrix was used by Mick Mac software.

The results showed that political and diplomatic drivers, specialization drivers and scientific and educational drivers as effective and influential drivers, will play an important role in system relations in the future. The future of Iran's sports industry depends on the development of these drivers, and these are the most important and influential indicators in the development of the sports industry.

According to the identified drivers, there is a need for those involved in the sports industry to put more education and diplomacy on their agenda.