Abstract des Autors

This study is the first in-depth mapping of statistics and data regarding the economic and social contribution of sport at both EU and national levels in the EU-27. The research identifies all available data sources and collects quantitative and qualitative data at EU and national levels represented by a series of indicators of the impact of sport on the economy and society. It covers data from the last available years, from 2012 until 2021. Based on this extensive mapping, the present report identifies the existent gaps and overlaps in the available data sets through a comparative analysis of the methodologies of data collection in use. It then provides policy recommendations to fill in the identified data gaps and further harmonise sport statistics in the EU-27. The report presents in detail the research findings: identified data gaps between information available at EU and national levels and possible ways towards an EU-wide harmonisation of sport statistics. Moreover, data collected for each EU Member State according to the raster of indicators is provided in the Annex 3 of the report in the format of 27 in-depth country statistical information files as well as an EU in-depth statistical information file is provided for the average figures compiled at EU-27 level. The Annex 2 equally provides 28 sport statistics and data fiches containing a summary of the main figures from each of the 28 in-depth statistical information files.
The present report is divided into 9 chapters:
• The introductory discussion above.
• The second chapter following the introductory discussion explains the methodology used in
structuring and conducting this mapping exercise: the list of indicators developed to drive data
collection, the various data collection methods used, available data sources and general issues
with data consistency, granularity and availability.
• The following 5 chapters summarise the mapping results in relation to the following identified
main dimensions of sport:
a. The economic impact of sport;
b. Health and wellbeing: health-enhancing physical activity;
c. The social impact of sport;
d. Professional and grassroots sport;
e. Funding of sport and sport policy.
These chapters detail observations related to the availability and complementarity of data
between the EU and national levels, methodologies of data collection in use and the level of
harmonisation between them.
• The next chapter outlines 3 case studies starting from the methodologies of data collection and
the availability of sport statistics of 3 Member States: Austria, France and The Netherlands.
These case studies are aimed at providing inspiration and drawing good practices for other
Member States and ultimately for the EU in the endeavour of enhancing and improving sport
statistics throughout Europe.
• The last chapter provides policy recommendations aimed at improving data collection in sport
at both EU and national levels.
• The report includes in Annex 3 data collected for each of the 27 EU Member States according
to the list of indicators developed for this mapping in the format of 27 in-depth country statistical
information files. Moreover, an EU in-depth statistical information file is provided containing EU27 average figures compiled for the same indicators.
• Annex 2 equally contains a summary of the main figures from each of the 28 in-depth statistical
information files in the shape of 28 sport statistics and data fiches.