International co-operation of higher education institutions for the innovation and exchange of good practices in sport management: the MOSMEN educational project

Abstract

In the 1990s, there were significant social and economic changes in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), significantly impacting the sports sector’s development. After the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, CEE countries underwent a political, economic, and social transformation process, which also had significant consequences for the sports industry. One of the critical elements of the transformation was opening of borders, establishing business relations with Western Europe, and, subsequently, integrating most of CEE countries with the European Union. This new situation increased the possibility of the free movement of people, goods, and capital, translating into more sports investments. Although more than 30 years have passed since those political and social changes, we still see a need for highly skilled sports professionals in most postcommunist countries – the centrally controlled management model (still dominant in Poland and many CEE countries) is ineffective. Adopting a sustainable managerial approach is necessary, including harmonizing sports and economic goals and using strategies and tools used to manage other economic sectors. In the context of sport management, the managerial approach should ensure not only the achievement of sports success and the improvement of financial results (e.g., of a sports club), but also the undertaking of actions to promote physical activity and “sport for everyone” to build the health and sports potential of the whole society.