The interaction between different generations within the sports industry has become a critical interdisciplinary subject amidst the fast-paced growth of the global sports sector and shifting demographics. Current research highlights the profound impact of intergenerational factors on sports participation, affecting public health, social equity, and the development of the sports industry. This research area opens up dialogues between the fields of sports policy, industry economics, and social psychology to investigate how generational dynamics influence sports behavior through policy design, market mechanisms, and social-psychological innovations. Existing studies frequently overlook the complexity of these interactions, emphasizing the need for more nuanced exploration.

This Research Topic aims to establish a multidisciplinary dialogue platform that examines the role of intergenerational factors in shaping sports participation. Specific aims include analyzing how policy innovations such as fiscal incentives influence family sports engagement, understanding the role of social-psychological dynamics like intergenerational support in sports behavior, and exploring how digital technology narrows the generational divide in sports consumption.

To gather further insights into the intergenerational dynamics in sports, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Policy and governance innovations: How sports policies respond to generational demands, including fiscal subsidies and taxation incentives.

o Social-psychological mechanisms: The influence of intergenerational support, group norms, and cultural transmission on sports behavior.

o Technological and market transformation: The role of digital technology, product design, and service models in inclusive sports consumption.

o Interdisciplinary methodologies: Adoption of behavioral experiments, big data analysis, and case comparisons for comprehensive exploration.

o Emerging economy focus: Local practices in emerging economies and their comparison with international experiences.

We invite scholars, policymakers, and industry practitioners to contribute theoretical frameworks and practical insights, fusing macro policy analysis with micro behavioral mechanisms. The aim is to reveal the complex intergenerational interactions in sports participation, providing scientific evidence for sports governance innovation in the contexts of population aging, digital transformation, and gender equality, ultimately contributing to building a more inclusive and sustainable sports ecosystem.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Intergenerational impacts on sports engagement: Shaping futures through policy, psychology, and innovation