Why the economic growth of sports needs to be matched with better governance

As we look ahead in difficult times, one glimmer of hope emerging from a post-pandemic global crisis is the opportunity for society to reflect upon which of its industries can truly become engines of sustainable growth and to reorientate resources towards them. Sport is perhaps one such industry. The fact that it is particularly affected by the pandemic underscores its importance to societal welfare, not only in terms of entertainment, but also recreation, fitness and exercise, jobs and the opportunity to learn key skills and life lessons.  This is especially true in less developed nations. To fulfil its potential, however, the author (who is current President of Human Rights and Sport at the Polish Institute for Human Rights and Business) believes that its institutions require robust good governance reforms and in particular more stakeholder inclusion. 

Accordingly, as nation states continue their paths of economic development, this feature piece examines the importance of ensuring that sports industries are not left behind; and that stakeholders come together to ensure the potential for societal development is fully realised.