Research conducted by the Institute for the Future (IFTF) estimates that 85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 have not been invented yet. The current economic and social context makes it increasingly important to face new challenges and implement “innovations” that increasingly represent a market need.
As the sports industry undergoes a disruptive process that is challenging business models and processes alike, innovation and digital transformation are proving to be the new strategic enablers for any sports organization.
To face these changes and to develop new capabilities in the Italian Olympic industry, N3XT Sports worked closely with the educational arm of the Italian Olympic Committee to design and coordinate the delivery of an executive education course on digital transformation, innovation and leadership during Q1 and Q2 of 2021.
The course included the participation of several leaders working in the Italian Olympic industry who participated in 12 consecutive weekly sessions that covered key topics such as digital transformation, digital business strategy and innovation strategy. The course, which was scientifically coordinated by Paolo Carito, was delivered by N3XT Sports principals as well as a series of industry leaders working at international Olympic federations (such as FIFA, FINA and FIVB) and sports and entertainment organizations (such as MLSE and Twitter).
COURSE DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY
To develop the innovation and digital transformation course, we analyzed the gap between current skills & knowledge and future needs in the Italian job market. Based on this analysis, it became clear that there were low levels of understanding and experience on topics such as innovation, digital transformation and technology. The course was developed to ensure that this gap was reduced, and for participants to rapidly acquire practical market-ready skills and knowledge.
The course consisted of 8 modules of 8 hours of lessons each including an initial presentation event and a final one organized with a contextual presentation of the project work of the participants for each course. The modules aimed at giving a 360º view understanding of digital transformation, an introduction on how to optimize processes and the exploration of new revenue streams mainly through digital channels.
This course received a positive response from participants and from the National Olympic Committee who anticipated that the Italian Olympic industry would need to create new areas of competence in the coming years. Specifically, it understood the need for a pipeline of professionals that are fluent in the fields of data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, agile development, design thinking and digital transformation specialists.
The course provided participants with practical and in-depth knowledge of how to leverage the latest technologies used in sport, as well as detailed case studies from the Olympic, professional sports and non-sports industries.
The program was delivered by N3XT Sports in collaboration with digital transformation and industry 4.0 experts. The participants were a diverse group of executive sports managers, consultants, public officials, employees, and students.
At N3XT Sports, we have developed educational offerings for the sports industry because of the rapidly changing landscape. We offer end-to-end course development & delivery, capstone projects, research support, mentorship, internationalization & new business model development to sports organizations, educational institutions, and stakeholders involved in the advancement of professionals in the sports industry.
Are you looking to give your workforce, stakeholders, ecosystem, or partners a sustained competitive advantage in the future of the sports landscape? Fill out the form below to inquire about how we can help you achieve this.