Identifying Components and Levels of Knowledge-Based Economy in Sport (A Qualitative approach)

Because of Knowledge is the most important source of knowledge-based economy, Economy in sports is influenced by the evaluation of the knowledge-based economy. The aim of this study is Identifying and levels of knowledge-based economy in sport which was conducted through qualitative research method with fundamental-exploratory nature. Research data was collected through snowball sampling method and based on in-depth interviews with experts. Data were analyzed after coding according to grounded theory and data constructivist approach. The results indicated that knowledge-based economy is categorized into three levels: individual-dependent knowledge-based economy, organization-dependent knowledge-based economy and society-dependent knowledge-based economy. Institutionalizing of knowledge along with knowledge management in individual-dependent knowledge-based economy, requirements and substrates of the knowledge-based economy in organization-dependent knowledge-based economy, scientific development in society-dependent knowledge-based economy and holism in definitions of the knowledge-based economy in sport had the most agreement among the interviews. As a conclusion of findings, in knowledge-based economy in sport, production and distribution is based on application of information and knowledge. Regarding importance of levels and components of knowledge-based economy in sport, policymaker in sport must to prepare implements and practices.