Investment Models and Innovation Mechanisms for the Sustainable Transformation of the Sports Sector in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

The sports sector has become an increasingly important economic and social domain, contributing to regional development, public investment, and sustainability objectives. In Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), this transformation is shaped by ageing sports infrastructure, limited fiscal capacity, and uneven integration of sustainability principles into public policy. This article examines investment models and innovation mechanisms supporting the sustainable transformation of the sports sector in CEE countries. The study employs a qualitative analytical approach, combining a systematic literature review with an empirical analysis of Eurostat data on public expenditure for recreational and sports services (COFOG 08.1). A comparative perspective is used to assess cross-country differences and to situate national patterns within the broader European Union context. The findings reveal substantial variation in public investment strategies across CEE countries. While some states allocate relatively high levels of public funding to sport, others demonstrate limited financial commitment, resulting in differing capacities for infrastructure modernisation and innovation adoption. A comparative analysis of Bulgaria and Hungary shows that sustainable outcomes depend not on the level of public expenditure, but on the strategic orientation and structure of investment models, their integration with innovation mechanisms, and alignment with long-term governance and environmental objectives.