ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter discusses how technological innovations or manufacturing techniques and materials have been or could be adapted and applied to sport. The topics presented include where the impact of technology has resulted in advances in golf ball manufacturing, track surface technology, wheelchair to exoskeleton technology and innovations in timing equipment technology. A list of additional examples of technological advancements that have been integrated into sport are also provided. This is followed by examples of controversial innovations in equipment, apparel or training techniques that were initially introduced and accepted then eventually prohibited in sport. Next, an overview is offered on the upcoming chapters and the technological advancements that will be discussed. Importantly, a foundational premise of the text is that with the influx of emerging technologies being adapted into sport there is a critical need for those in sport management to take a lead role in addressing the issues arising from the integration of these technological innovations. This leadership is necessary as each technological innovation has the potential to change the nature of sport through a mixture of impending challenges and forthcoming opportunities. Readers are urged to critique and debate scenarios and the questions posed in succeeding chapters to determine strategies and opinions that aid in finding a way to navigate sport through the approaching storm of technological innovations. Overall, readers are encouraged to re-imagine sport for the future resulting from the introduction of emerging technologies and innovations.
