INNO4SPORTS project is a European project whose objective is to share the experiences of different European regions with different levels of development and experience in sport. The ultimate goal is to improve the functioning and efficiency of regional development programs that can help deploy the innovative potential of sport.
Valencian region is represented by the IVACE and the IBV. The project started in June 2018 and last March it held its first knowledge exchange event in Valencia.
"The strategy of smart specialization of the Valencian Community focuses on the quality of life of people. Obviously, sport and physical activity are fundamental elements for the quality of life and thus, should be reflected in the strategic vision of the future, "reflects Paco Ferrando, Head of Unit of the European Programs Service of IVACE.
The Valencia meeting was a great success thanks to the participation of the European partners of Inno4Sports and regional and state stakeholders.
Almost 40 participants, 20 papers, 7 debates and visits to more than 10 sports facilities in Valencia are just some numbers of the Valencia meeting.
"Valencia is nowadays a benchmark for innovation in sports because of its capacity to generate socio-economic development in sectors such as tourism and health", says Enrique Alcantara, Director of Innovation in Sports at the IBV.
During these three days discussions were wide, but conclusions are precise and they can be resumed in 15 points of the “valencian declaration”.
Inno4Sports consrtium encourage european, national, regional and local authorities to endorse to this vision by promoting measures towards a fully developed 4druple helix sports innovation ecosystem releasing maximum value to the society in terms of health, cohesion and socioeconomic development.
To this end:
- Politic parties should seek a long term agreement in sports strategies.
- Authorities should create Coordination bodies between the different administrations and departments with competences in promoting the impact of sports: sports, tourism, health, education, industry, urban and territory development…
- Authorities should involve the 4druple helix sports innovation ecosystem in the definition of regional s3.
We also should:
- Create free access and flexible spaces for people exercising and sporting to unlock people creativity and innovative character in sports.
- Promote the sports ability to transform and develop urban and rural spaces.
- Promote the creation of Smart places for sports and physical activity promotion and innovation.
- Engage into the use of sports data for better governance.
- Promote measures to support the appearance of healthy companies.
- Implant the prescription of sports and physical activity as health vectors.
- Promote sinergies between sports and tourism as a tool for a more sustainable tourism.
- Support international Sports events with a demonstrable and sustainable economic and social impact.
- Promote private sponsorship.
- Promote innovative public procurement as sports innovation driver.
- Foster the creation of Crossectoral clusters around sports and physical activity.
- Engage and promote transregional cooperation
The event in Valencia was strongly useful to explore and elaborate on existing innovation ecosystem models, and link tools and instruments, such as Living Labs, Open Labs for e.g. technologies to address specific needs of the Sports Clusters.
“There a lot to be done, but first steps of Inno4Sports were made in the right way” states Giuseppe Caprara, Innovation manager at IBV.
Next event will be in Eindhoven, in June (from 11th to 13th) around improving cross-sectoral cooperation in order to build cross-overs, especially with High-Tech and Health sectors to increase the economic performance and regional impact of clusters. Also, the partners want to discuss on the give and take opportunities as defined in Valencia wuth the objective to make a start with the Action plan for each region.
In June Inno4Sports will also complete its first year of activity, and there will be two more left.
“The relevance of sports and physical activity as drivers of health, social cohesion, education in values, R&D, innovation, economic development and employement creation is beyond any discussion. We akcnowledge that Investing and promoting sports innovation will result in more modern, healthier and active societies”, concludes Alcantara.
