Artificial intelligence and sports: some social considerations

Drawing on examples of past and present sports innovation, I illustrate the growing entanglement of science, technology, and sports in Flanders (Belgium). Here, as in other contemporary knowledge-driven economies that invest in sports, the aim of integrating science and technology into sports is now a policy principle and innovation strategy. Building on the example of sports talent detection and development, and using perspectives from science and technology studies, I explore how sports innovations are shaped by the agendas, technologies, and organizational practices of participating stakeholders. Rendering these agendas and practices explicit can provide valuable insight into the development of contemporary sports and the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) inherent in sports-oriented research and development. This, in turn, can facilitate a more collective stewardship of sports innovation, in line with Flemish and European policy appeals to responsible research and innovation.