Research on the impact of digital upgrade of sports event industry on value chain reconstruction
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24218938 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lide Su (0000-0003-3701-8477, Hunan Normal University), Zhixiang Wen (Hunan Normal University), Te Bu (0000-0001-7901-0014, Hunan Normal University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Publication date | 2026-09-25 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2624-9367 • E-ISSN: 2624-9367 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fspor.2026.1859039 |
| OpenAlex | W7214358908 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 27 |
Background Digital upgrading is reshaping how sport event industries organize value creation, coordination, and commercialization. However, limited attention has been paid to how digital upgrading reconstructs organizational boundaries and value chains. Methods This study adopts a sequential mixed-method design combining multiple-case analysis and quantitative testing. Based on 12 sport event cases and 28 semi-structured interviews, the study identifies restructuring paths through qualitative coding and further examines structural effects using social network analysis, event-study estimation, and difference-in-differences models. Objectives The study examines how digital upgrading changes organizational boundaries, reallocates value activities, and drives value chain restructuring in the sport event industry. Results Four restructuring paths are identified, including content-led, platform-driven, service-integration, and data-asset extension pathways. Digital upgrading is associated with increased network density from 0.31 to 0.39, significant improvements in value chain restructuring (DID coefficient = 0.082, p < 0.001), sponsorship conversion (0.058, p < 0.01), and data monetization (0.064, p < 0.01). The effects are stronger in events with higher platform capability and richer data assets. Conclusion Digital upgrading represents a governance and value-chain restructuring process rather than a simple technological adoption process. By linking digital capabilities, organizational boundary adjustment, ecosystem coordination, and value redistribution, this study advances understanding of digital transformation mechanisms in sport event industries.
data assets · data monetization · Digital transformation · ecosystem coordination · organizational boundaries · platform capabilities · service integration · value chain reconstruction · value redistribution · Digital Innovation in Industries · Digital Platforms and Economics · Physical Education and Sports Studies
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |