Impact Pathways: High-Performance Sports Operationalisation through Industry 4.0: An Actionable Blueprint

Mitchell, Tom, Bamford, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1050-1357, Papalexi, Marina ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1125-7015, Reid, Iain ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2581-1283 and Webster, Rupert (2025) Impact Pathways: High-Performance Sports Operationalisation through Industry 4.0: An Actionable Blueprint. International Journal of Operations and Production Management. ISSN 0144-3577 (In Press)

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Abstract

Purpose: This impact pathways paper creates, informs and inspires collaborative enquiry surrounding elite sports operations management and data analysis within high-performance organisations. By examining operations and implementation theories relating to leveraging Industry 4.0, the authors identify challenges such as integration and outdated infrastructure related to business transformation and propose actionable insights for how to operationalise these in organisations within high-performance sport. Design/Methodology/Approach: Following a systematic literature review that was problematised and enriched with qualitative data collected from elite sport professional practitioners, governing bodies and sporting directors, an actionable blueprint was developed. This identified evidence-based current implementation issues surrounding the practice of Industry 4.0 within elite soccer. Findings: The findings exposed challenges and related pathways such as: clarification and standardisation of data assessment; overcoming integration challenges; temporal and long-term strategy; enhancing connectivity and infrastructure. The novel blueprint and i4-ABSO framework developed adapts and applies key operations management theories to elite sport. Originality/Value: The paper presents a detailed blueprint for operationalisation that informs Industry 4.0 knowledge and practice through industry partners experience and their views of high-performance sports operationalisation. It adds value and contributes to future academic theory by introducing a platform for future research avenues relating to sport operations management that is largely missing from the operations management literature.