SFISM research Topic: Sport and Business
The SFISM is actively engaged in the professionalisation of the sports system. Among other projects, it conducts research into athletes’ career paths and the requirements that apply to careers in sports management. By doing so, it provides a scientific basis for the strategic development of sport, not only as a matter of social importance but also as a significant economic sector.
The SFISM offers support related to the business aspects of sport through research focusing on the following areas:
- Sports economics and systems development; analysis of the economic dynamics of sport: the aim is to gain a better understanding of the efficiency and governance of sports funding systems.
- Professionalisation and management of sports organisations: the aim is to generate knowledge to make modern sports management more efficient.
- Sport-related jobs and training: the aim is to improve education and training for professionals in the sports sector.
- Athlete’s finances: the aim is to improve the design of funding schemes and career paths in sport.
- Analysis of the sports industry as a sector: the aim is to gain a better understanding of sport as a significant economic sector.
Further reading
SPLISS consortium workshop in Magglingen
At the end of June 2026, an international workshop for the Sports Policy Factors Leading to International Sporting Success (SPLISS) consortium was held at the SFISM.
Sport Management in Europe: important collaborative work now available
Sport Management in Europe explains the aspects and dynamics of sport management that are of particular relevance to the European context. This indispensable reference work was edited by Michaël Mrkonjic, Head of the Department of Sports Economics at the SFISM, in collaboration with Emmanuel Bayle from the University of Lausanne, Christoffer Klenk from the University of Bern and Dominik Schwizer from the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons. It was published by Edward Elgar Publishing, a leading publisher, and can be viewed in the Magglingen library.