عباس برزگری نژاد

This study investigates the role of digital financial services in enhancing innovation within Iranian sports companies. The research follows a descriptive survey method with a quantitative approach and employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for data analysis. The statistical population includes senior managers, financial managers, and IT managers of sports companies, as well as financial and technology experts in sports clubs and startups. The sampling method was stratified random sampling, and the sample size was determined as 200 participants using Cohen’s method, considering 10 latent variables in the model. Data collection was carried out through two standardized questionnaires with validated content and face validity confirmed by experts. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. The first questionnaire, digital financial services assessment, consists of 15 items across five components (digital financial technology infrastructure, digital payment services, digital banking, digital investment, and digital financial innovation).The second questionnaire, Innovation Assessment in Sports Companies, includes 15 items across five components (product innovation, process innovation, organizational innovation, marketing innovation, and strategic innovation). The Cronbach’s alpha scores were 0.899 for innovation and 0.794 for digital financial services. The findings reveal that digital financial services have a significant impact on various dimensions of innovation, including product, process, organizational, marketing, and strategic innovation. These services enhance transparency, reduce costs, and improve access to financial resources, thereby alleviating financial constraints and fostering innovation capabilities within sports companies