ABSTRACT
The opening chapter introduces the reader to entrepreneurship and innovation within the context of sport and leisure (SL). In doing so, the chapter explores the key question – how do you build an entrepreneurial sport or leisure organisation? It addresses the challenges and opportunities for SL organisations before exploring the meaning, importance, and definitions of both entrepreneurial practices and innovation respectively. The chapter then provides an understanding of innovation and subsequently explores why innovation occurs, before progressing to develop a better understanding of organisational change and determining innovation challenges in SL industries. The chapter includes case studies of (i) entrepreneurial practices in Baseball, (ii) innovation in exercise through Parkrun events, and (iii) shows how changes in entrepreneurial behaviour explain the contrasting fortunes of several high-profile leisure organisations following restructuring within the health and fitness sector.
