| The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Developing The Status of The Third Sector Economy in Sports |
| Paper ID : 1678-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Asghar hoseininezhad1, Davood Nasr Esfahani *2, Mohammad Soltan Hoseini3 1Ph.D Candidate in Sports Management, Department of Sport Management, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran. 2Department of Sport Management, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran. 3Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran. |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: The third sector of the economy (including non-profit organizations, sports charities, and public benefit institutions) plays a vital role in the development of mass sports, social justice, and community health (Sofyan et al., 2024). However, this sector often faces challenges such as financial resource limitations, operational inefficiencies, and a lack of strategies for sustainable development (Girginov & Dowling, 2025). Artificial intelligence, as a transformative technology, can revolutionize the economy of the third sector in sports by providing innovative solutions. Methods: This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and the multiple grounded theory method. The data were collected and analyzed through semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was reached, involving 20 senior managers from non-profit sports organizations, charity sector activists, and information technology specialists. Results: Artificial intelligence, by focusing on four key areas such as attracting financial resources (through identifying sponsors and personalizing campaigns), improving operational management (via automating processes and optimizing events), enhancing transparency and accountability (in financial reporting and resource tracking), and developing social impact (through data analysis for impact assessment and designing need-based programs), has the potential to revolutionize the economy of the third sector in sports. However, challenges including a shortage of high-quality data, limitations in specialized resources, ethical concerns, and resistance to change make the path to its implementation difficult. Conclusion: Artificial intelligence has the potential to enhance the economy of the third sector of sports by driving transformations in resource acquisition, operational management, and financial transparency. However, to harness this potential, sports organizations must develop overarching strategies, provide training for human resources, and expand technological infrastructures. Policymakers can also facilitate the adoption of artificial intelligence in this sector by offering financial incentives and establishing appropriate legal frameworks. |
| Keywords |
| Artificial Intelligence, Third Sector Economy, Sports, Non-profit Organizations, Resource Management |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
