Project Blue Shift
Project
Project Blue Shift responds to a shared sense of urgency. Dutch elite sport faces major societal and organisational challenges. At the same time, expectations from society, policymakers and partners are growing. In this project, researchers, elite sport organisations and partners from the field are working closely together. The aim is to sustainably strengthen the social relevance, visibility and unifying power of elite sport.
The research is conducted in close consultation with practitioners. The project team collaborates with athletes, policymakers, businesses and fans. They link scientific knowledge to specific questions arising from elite sport. In this way, they are building an elite sport that not only performs but also inspires, connects and contributes to society.
Project Blue Shift is a 2-year project within the ZonMw programme MOOI in Beweging. Within this programme, sport, science, the media, government and the business community work together. They investigate how elite sport can contribute to connection, inspiration and social impact.
The project team combines years of experience in research and leadership development with a strong network. In this way, they enhance the social value of elite sport.
Together with the world of elite sport, we are increasing the relevance of elite sport to society. We do this in close collaboration with the sport community.
Jan-Willem van der Roest
Professor Sport Management & Sport Business
Objective
The objective is to strengthen the social relevance, visibility and unifying power of elite sport through practice-oriented research in close collaboration with elite sport organisations and partners.
Methodology
The project team uses the Elite Sport Relevance Index (ESRI) as an analytical framework. For each work package, the project team translates this framework into appropriate methods, such as:
- questionnaires
- interviews and focus groups
- media analyses
- data visualisation
- case studies
- design-led research
This combination of quantitative and qualitative methods reveals what works within different contexts, such as athletes, fans, organisations, the media and policy.
Expected results/outputs
Project Blue Shift will deliver coherent knowledge products, learning programmes and communication tools.
During the innovation phase, the project team will develop learning programmes for:
- elite sport organisations
- elite athletes
- local and regional sport organisations
The programmes consist of case studies, practical articles and developed tools. The insights will be published in academic journals, trade magazines and LinkedIn posts. The project team will also ensure online visibility via social media, podcasts and YouTube.
Social impact
The project team ensures that knowledge is put into practice. Through symposia, specialist journals and online channels, insights are incorporated into policy and practice. In this way, Project Blue Shift contributes to inclusive, visible and socially relevant elite sport.
Contribution to education and research
Project Blue Shift links current elite sport issues to practice-oriented research. The insights, data and case studies developed are incorporated into higher professional and university education, minor programmes and curricula.
In addition, the project produces academic publications, methodological innovations such as the ESRI, and new lines of research. This strengthens knowledge development, talent development and professionalisation within elite sport and sport management.
Project team AUAS
- Jan-Willem van der Roest
- Bartel Berkhout
- Harriet Krekel
- Audrey Kusters
- Peter van Paassen
- Claire Powell
Grant provider
- ZonMw
External partners
Achterhoek in Beweging, Allianz Nederland, Brabant Sport, Fontys Hogeschool, Gehandicaptensport Nederland, Gemeente Amsterdam, Gemeente Den Haag, Gemeente Groningen, Haagse Hogeschool, Hogeschool Arnhem Nijmegen, Hogeschool Rotterdam, Hogeschool Utrecht, Innovatielab Thialf, Koninklijke Nederlandse Schaakbond, Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbond, Mulier Instituut, Nederlandse Loterij, NOC*NSF, Nevobo, ROC van Amsterdam, Rotterdam Topsport, Sailing Innovation Centre, SportsInq, Stichting BEN, Stichting Gezondrijk Nijmegen, Stichting SAM, Stichting Sporthelden op School, Techonomy, The Walt Disney Company Benelux, Topsport Amsterdam, Topsport Gelderland, Topsport Noord, TU Delft, Universiteit Utrecht, Vereniging Sport en Gemeenten, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Watersportverbond, Yvonne van Gennip Talentfonds, Sport Utrecht.
Sport Management & Sport Business research group
This project is part of the Sport Management & Sport Business research group. Want to know more?