Interview: “Innovation is not a fluffy, crazy thing – it is about developing new opportunities, businesses and revenues”
Alamy | Deportivo Alaves have managed to make a total profit of €13,2 million in the last five years.
In November, Baskonia Alavés Group launched The Faktory, a centre for innovation and business in the sports and entertainment industry. It aims to become a fourth revenue pillar for the clubs and entities involved in this private sports group from Spain.
”You cannot be successful with innovation in this industry without owners who are fully committed,” says Aitor Jiménez Villar, chief innovation, strategy and new business officer at Baskonia Alavés Group.
Why it matters: Many clubs struggle to find new income streams. Alavés, currently fourth in La Liga SmartBank Spain, are convinced they can develop significant revenues through new business and innovation.
The perspective: Ownership matters. In Spain, there is a tradition of member-owned clubs, and they don’t always have the long-term mindset that is crucial when working with innovation.
1 February 2023 - 3:51 PM
He doesn’t really feel any pressure.
Perhaps the simple explanation is that Aitor Jiménez Villar was head of innovation at FC Barcelona from 2016 to 2019 - the club where pressure is served for breakfast every morning.
Or maybe it’s all down to the fact that the Baskonia Alavés
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