Abstract:

This study presents a comparative bibliometric analysis of academic literature related to sports startups in Germany and Italy, with a focus on the educational and institutional contexts that support innovation and entrepreneurship. Using data from the Web of Science Core Collection and the visualization software VOSviewer, the study maps co-authorship networks, keyword clusters, and institutional productivity from 2014 to 2025. The research aims to uncover how each country’s academic ecosystem contributes to knowledge creation and pedagogical practices within the field of sports entrepreneurship.

The findings reveal distinct national trends: Germany’s academic output emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and strong integration between sport technology, business innovation, and higher education institutions. Educational benefits include the emergence of applied entrepreneurship courses and innovation labs within universities. In contrast, Italy demonstrates a more localized research structure focused on community-based sports initiatives and regionally funded entrepreneurial education programs. Italian studies highlight experiential learning models that link grassroots sports development to entrepreneurial skills training.

This analysis contributes to the understanding of how academic research and educational practices in different European countries foster the growth of sports startups. It provides valuable insights for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers seeking to strengthen the link between sports, innovation, and entrepreneurial learning.

Keywords:

Sports startups, Bibliometric analysis, VOSviewer, Entrepreneurial education, Germany, Italy, Innovation ecosystems, Educational impact.