The Sport-IE project aims to significantly enhance innovation and entrepreneurial (I+E) capacity within sport science higher education institutions (SSHEIs) across Europe by 2030. Through the implementation of the Innovation Vision Action Plan (IVAP), the project targets three key outcomes:

1. Exploitation of market opportunities and job creation
2. Increased physical activity levels in the population
3. Reduced public and private health costs.

The project will create a European platform designed to foster I+E in SSHEIs through systematic efforts in training, mentoring, curricula development, and collaboration across the Knowledge Triangle. By engaging with businesses, public organizations, governmental bodies, and NGOs, the platform will serve as a hub for sharing best practices, promoting innovation-driven research, and facilitating partnerships to tackle societal challenges such as non-communicable diseases and physical inactivity.

Physical inactivity is a leading cause of chronic diseases and associated health costs, with the global burden expected to grow significantly by 2030. The Sport-IE project addresses this by increasing physical activity and unlocking SSHEIs’ potential in sectors like public health, fitness, and health technology. The project will help SSHEIs tap into the thriving market of sport performance, training apparel, footwear, and fitness centers, projected to reach a market value of €317 billion by 2024.

Sport-IE aims to equip students with entrepreneurial skills in areas such as ideation, startup creation, intellectual property protection, and intrapreneurship. These skills will increase employability and empower graduates to address real-world challenges. The project will also enhance institutional collaboration, overcome barriers to engagement, and integrate I+E within SSHEIs through mentorship programs, internships, and strengthened partnerships with external stakeholders.

Through this initiative, the Sport-IE consortium will foster sustainable engagement with vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities, elderly people, and disadvantaged communities, by sharing inclusive best practices and increasing access to physical activity. This will help reduce health inequalities and promote the broader social and economic benefits of active lifestyles.
The project’s objectives will be realized in phases, starting with the development of a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices, training programs, mentoring schemes, and internships. As the project progresses, institutional capacity will be enhanced, and collaboration with the private, public, and voluntary sectors will be integrated into HEIs’ operations.

By aligning with the goals of EIT Health and EIT Digital, the Sport-IE project supports the wider EU agenda to improve health outcomes, foster economic growth, and ensure sustainable development across Europe.

Project coordinator

Frode Paulsen, NORGES IDRETTSHOGSKOLE (contact)