The Social Benefits of Investments in Sports Facilities: An Empirical Analysis on Italian Projects

This research delves into the role of investments in sports facilities in promoting both well-being and social sustainability. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) index is utilized to estimate the social impact of sports facilities (Millar and Hal, 2013a; Butler and Leathem, 2014a). SROI measures the non-financial value of investments, converting tangible social impacts into financial quantities. It considers both benefits and costs over the infrastructure's lifespan, providing a comprehensive view of societal impact. Through SROI methodology, a dataset linking SROI values to welfare indices was created, enabling the estimation of social value generated by each intervention. Equitable and sustainable well-being indices were utilized for analysis (Bes) (ISTAT). Nonlinear machine learning and clustering algorithms were employed for deeper insights (Mook, et al., 2015; Hutchinson, et al., 2018). Our findings reveal that territories with elevated SROl scores commonly face a range of socio-economic challenges. These include high NEET (Not in Education, Employment, o Training) rates, reduced youth employment, limited public childcare services, lower levels of alphabetic competence, decreased electoral participation, and a scarcity of non-profit organizations. Such results indicate that the social impact of sports infrastructure is particularly significant in areas experiencing socio-economic decline. Furthermore, this suggests that sports infrastructure can act as a crucial instrument in rejuvenating underdeveloped areas, serving as a potent policy tool to address social and material inequalities. However, it is important to note that our study did not find statistically significant correlations between the SROl values and the indicators of the Equitable and sustainable well-being (BES) suggesting that the impact of sports infrastructure on broader well-being metrics may require further investigation. In conclusion, the analysis highlights the potential of sports infrastructure as a key element in the socio-economic development of deprived areas, offering insights into the utility of such investments beyond their immediate recreational purposes. As further research continues to elucidate the dynamics between sports infrastructure and social well-being, these findings provide a valuable foundation for policymakers and stakeholders in shaping effective and equitable development strategies.