Research projects

Our research

The Swinburne University of Technology's Sport Innovation Research Group is a highly industry-engaged research group focusing on specific areas within the domain of sport business and the broader sport and active recreation industry globally.

The group aims to enhance the social and business outcomes of the sport, leisure and active recreation industries through social, technological and industry innovation.

Core themes of research

Sport Experience and Design

Our work is focused on value creation, brand development, and understanding and helping improve relationships between consumers and organisations in sport and leisure markets. It uses innovative methods and measurement to advance knowledge for partners around customer experience, acquisition and retention, and develops a range of outcomes related to design in physical and online sport consumption, as well as areas including brand, sponsorship and digital delivery of sport.

Sport Inclusion, Impact and Community

Our work engages the sport and active recreation and not-for-profit sectors, together with governments in Australia and internationally to understand the impact of sport on social and community development, and ensure access to safe, equitable and inclusive sport for all. Aspects of this work assesses and measures outcomes of sport and recreation services and programs, and studies sport as a tool for social development as well as the role of sport within local, national and international policy contexts.

Sport Leadership, Organisations and Sustainability

Our work advances understanding of how sport organisations are managed, including how their strategies, cultures and performances align with wider public and stakeholder agendas. Aspects of this explores what makes a responsive and change-embracing sport organisation successful by considering individual agency, management competency and institutional factors. Research considers the capability for innovation and change and the future of sport leadership and seeks to lead stakeholders towards the development of policy and identify opportunities for sport to contribute to a more sustainable future.