Document Type : Original Article
Author
Student
Abstract
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The present study aimed to develop a conceptual analytical framework for advancing the geopolitical economy of sports in Iran. Employing a qualitative research design based on a multiple grounded theory approach—integrating semi-structured interviews and textual analysis—data were collected from two primary sources: academic and executive experts (n = 16) and scientific publications (n = 32). Sampling was judgmental and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Research instruments consisted of expert interviews and a structured framework for concept extraction from relevant texts. The validity and reliability of the study were verified through inter-coder agreement (Kappa coefficient = 0.72).
Data were analyzed using multi-level grounded theory coding procedures. The analysis yielded 246 initial codes, organized into six overarching categories, 14 selective codes, and 55 axial codes. The six main categories encompassed: (1) geopolitical-economic drivers, (2) geopolitical-economic challenges, (3) environmental context of the geopolitical economy, (4) economic–geopolitical governance, (5) geopolitical-economic capacity building, and (6) development of the geopolitical economy of national sports.
The resulting conceptual model underscores that the development of the geopolitical economy of sports requires a systematic, multi-level, and synergistic perspective. This perspective integrates identified drivers, challenges, and contextual factors into a coherent, evidence-based policy system. Accordingly, the proposed framework can serve as a strategic instrument for guiding decision-making, formulating macro-level policies, and implementing national programs that connect economic development, geopolitics, and the sports sector in Iran.
Keywords: Geoeconomics, Sports economy, Sports geopolitics, Political economy, Iranian geopolitics.
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