Politics of safe sports technologies: An analysis of the innovation system for artificial turfs in football (soccer)

Abstract

Actor network theory was applied to investigate how safety is highlighted and managed in the innovation systems where third‐generation artificial turfs for football are developed. Mediator sites located between macro‐ and micro‐level networks in the innovation system were found to play a central role in the assurance of turf safety. At these sites, practical experiences and formal knowledge is cooperatively developed and shared with both policy makers in the macro‐level network and sportspersons from local communities. The reward systems for information sharing ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ from the mediator sites were however radically different. To better manage safety in the artificial turf innovation system, international and national football associations and clubs have to establish a common reward system and a shared action agenda.

Keywords:

• artificial turf
• innovation system
• actor network theory
• sports safety
• sports policy‐making

Notes

Correspondence to: Department of Medicine and Health, Linköping University, SE‐581 85 Linköping, Sweden E‐mail: [email protected]