The perfect pivot
Adapting in an uncertain world
The world is entering historically uncertain times. Climate change is increasing seasonal temperatures and the frequency of extreme weather events. Heightened geopolitical tensions have given rise to more wars along with the threat of further military conflicts globally, trade sanctions, and threats and acts of terrorism.
Pandemics, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have increased in likelihood – with a 47% to 57% chance of a second pandemic of the same magnitude occurring in the next 25 years.
All these factors have disrupted scheduled sporting activities over recent years and this disruption is likely to continue and increase in frequency over the coming decades. This uncertainty will affect all sports, including event planning, infrastructure design and the types of sports that can be played in certain seasons. It will increase the need for some sports and their associated business models to make strategic ‘pivots’ or rapidly deploy alternative approaches and resources, move venues and competitions at short notice, or respond to other unexpected challenges when required.
This megatrend is far broader than just sport but has relevance to a sector with multiple points of exposure to geopolitical, extreme climate and pandemic-related risks. Australian sporting organisations will need to be flexible and ingenious over the coming decades.
Adapting in an uncertain world
- Increasing geopolitical tensions Sports involvement in the exercise of soft power.
- Climate change Adjusting for extreme weather and increasing temperatures.
- More disease outbreaks Infection control – the new normal.
