ENABLE Sweden x CSB
The Center for Sports and Business (CSB) at the Stockholm School of Economics and ENABLE Sweden have entered a long-term collaboration to support the future development of Swedish sport. By combining research, culture, and innovation, the partnership aims to contribute to a more sustainable and competitive model for Swedish football and sport.
The collaboration builds on Sweden’s tradition of member-based democracy, strong cultural identity, and an active supporter culture. At the same time, Swedish sport faces increasing demands related to professionalization, improved working environments, stronger financial capacity, and more dynamic governance at both local and national levels.
Swedish football and sport are at a crossroads and must develop a hybrid model where tradition, identity, and supporter culture meet increasing demands around performance, economics, and professionalism. At CSB, we bring together sports stakeholders, attract international researchers in sport and business, and translate academic research into real-world impact. ENABLE Sweden’s deep understanding of football culture and their ability to build trust across different stakeholder groups makes them an important partner.
- Martin Carlsson-Wall, professor and director, Center for Sports and Business
Uniting different logics for a shared future
CSB and ENABLE Sweden aim to bridge nonprofit and commercial logics in sport and act as a knowledge-driven voice in discussions about the future governance and development of sport in Sweden and internationally.
The collaboration is based on the idea that diverse perspectives and constructive debate are essential for meaningful reform within the sports ecosystem.
A strong club democracy, community-based football organizations, and an active supporter culture are central values for ENABLE Sweden. Sweden can become a global leader while maintaining these values, but this requires greater member engagement, increased resources, and stronger knowledge about the way forward. CSB has built a strong network connecting clubs, leagues, federations, and researchers through education, research, and policy initiatives. Swedish football and sport need reform - and ENABLE and CSB can contribute together to this process.
- Filip Lundberg Verendel and Anders Almgren, ENABLE Sweden
Areas of collaboration
The partnership focuses on several areas of joint activity:
- Developing education programs where academic research and sports practice interact
- Facilitating public discussions about the future governance and development of sport
- Building cross-sector networks that connect sports organizations, researchers, and industry
- Exploring hybrid governance models that combine tradition, democracy, and innovation
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