The Sports Technology Awards Shortlist Drops Tomorrow: If America Invents, China Replicates and Europe Regulates, What Awaits the Class of ’25?

Part One

There’s an old saying: America invents, China replicates, and Europe regulates. It’s been doing the rounds again, so I had a look at our shortlist to see if there’s any truth in it.

After more than a decade in sports tech, my take is slightly different, I think Europe innovates, America elevates. Even if you strip out the betting sector, many of the most innovative breakthroughs in sports tech have come from Europe and Israel but for those ideas to really take off? Get an American sport behind the idea and it’s got the resources and reach to turn a smart innovation into a global standard.

I’ve had this conversation more times than I can count, and two things always stand out. First, the US has the money and muscle to supercharge growth. Second, there’s a refreshing lack of hand-wringing about trying something new. Americans aren’t reckless, but they are open-minded – if something doesn’t work, they learn. They’ll also assume you’re smart enough to do the same.

Which brings me to another interesting point from the weekend’s reading. Back in 2008, Europe’s economy was about the same size as the US. Today, the US economy is 50% larger. And of the world’s ten biggest companies, eight are American.

For those who like a league table:

So, what will Tuesday’s shortlist tell us? In the spirit of a true British cliffhanger, turn in for Part Two.

In the meantime, if you want to be first to see who’s shaping the future of sport, follow The STA Group on LinkedIn.