Sport Management Journal

Developing an Indigenous Hierarchical Framework for AI Development in Iran's Sports Management

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Hamidreza Mirsafian 1
Mostafa Afshari 2
Fateme Naderian 3

1 Department of Sport Management, Facultyculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan. Iran.

2 Department of Sport Management, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Sport Management, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran.

10.22059/jsm.2025.399578.3525
Abstract
Introduction: Today, artificial intelligence is employed as a symbol of technology in many sciences and industries. However, the employment of this innovative instrument in any country requires attention to the necessary prerequisites in that region to ensure optimal productivity in various industrial and commercial fields. Therefore, the aim of the current research is to develop a framework for the application of artificial intelligence in sports management in Iran and to examine the necessary prerequisites in that domain.

Methods: This study is qualitative and exploratory, conducted using grounded theory and a Glaser approach. The total population of the research includes experts in the field of technology development and information in the field of sports within the Ministry of Sports and Youth and its subsidiaries across the provinces of the country, as well as public universities in Iran. The interviewees (N=15) were purposefully selected and responded to in-depth interviews.

Results: The results obtained from the coding and analysis of the interviews included 88 open codes, 23 subcategories, and 4 main categories, resulting in the development of a hierarchical four-dimensional model for the application of artificial intelligence in sports management in Iran.

Conclusion: Based on the obtained results application of the conceptual framework of this research can significantly contribute to the advancement of artificial intelligence applications in Iran's sports management and its related organizations and athletic clubs.

Keywords

Iranian sports structure
Knowledge management
Research and development
Sports policy-making
Technology
Subjects
Sport Management Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 October 2025

  • Receive Date 28 July 2025
  • Revise Date 26 October 2025
  • Accept Date 29 October 2025

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