Understanding the gap between innovation and implementation
Every year, Erasmus+ Sport supports dozens of collaborative projects that generate innovative research, practical guidance and new approaches to some of the biggest challenges facing European sport.
Many produce excellent deliverables. Yet only few are embedded in the everyday practice of sport organisations.
Why?
A wealth of knowledge
Across Europe, Erasmus+ Sport projects have developed:
- governance self-assessment tools;
- sustainability calculators;
- gender equality action plans;
- educational resources;
- policy recommendations;
- training materials;
- practical templates.
These resources are often created by experienced consortia bringing together National Olympic Committees, federations, sport clubs, universities, and experts. However, once a project finishes, dissemination frequently becomes more limited, making it difficult for organisations outside the consortium to discover and apply these results.
Awareness is only the first step
Simply publishing a report online does not guarantee that it will be used. Sport organisations often lack both the time to identify existing European resources and the practical support needed to adapt and implement them within their own context. As a result, organisations frequently spend valuable time and resources developing policies, strategies or tools that have already been successfully tested elsewhere.
The challenge is therefore not a lack of innovation, but a lack of structured knowledge transfer.
Turning knowledge into action
Successful dissemination goes beyond communication.
It requires:
- identifying relevant resources;
- translating technical outputs into practical language;
- demonstrating real-life applications;
- facilitating peer learning;
- supporting organisations during implementation.
This is precisely the objective of the EOC EU Office's new initiative. Rather than creating another library of reports, the aims is to transform existing Erasmus+ Sport results into practical knowledge that NOCs, Federations and sport organisations - from grassroot to elite level - can readily use.
Learning from one another
European sport organisations face many common challenges. Whether developing a sustainability strategy, improving governance or promoting gender equality, there is enormous value in learning from organisations that have already tested successful approaches. By connecting projects, stakeholders and practitioners, European cooperation enables organisations to avoid "reinventing the wheel" and instead build upon existing knowledge. Ultimately, this strengthens the efficiency, impact and long-term sustainability of Erasmus+ Sport investments, reduces duplication of effort, and fosters a more connected and collaborative European sport landscape.
Looking ahead
Throughout this initiative, the EOC EU Office will raise awareness of practical resources developed through Erasmus+ Sport, showcasing how they can be adapted and implemented across different organisational and geographical contexts within the European sport landscape.
Because innovation only creates value when it is shared. #SHARINGISCARING