The Rathenau Institute made an inventory of the applications of new technology in elite (professional level) sport, and the social implications. The focus of this project was on genetics. Attention was devoted to the relationship between sport and technology in general, and to the possible applications of genetics in elite sport in particular. Four possible applications were identified:
- Prevention of injuries
- Talent selection (identifying those with the potential to perform well)
- Treatment of injuries (therapy)
- Performance enhancement ('genetic doping').
Public survey
A survey by the market research consultancy Beldam Marktonderzoek BV was commissioned to determine what the Dutch public expect of various technological applications in sport, and the value they attach to them. The results were presented on 27 June 2004 during a public debate entitled Make me a… winner.
Focus group
To complement the public survey, a focus group was convened in November 2004. Its twelve members discussed the questions included in the survey in greater depth, the intention being to arrive at conclusions which provide further input for the political and societal discussions about such aspects as 'fair play', performance enhancement and genetics.
Publication
A book, Beter dan goed ['Better than good'] was published in 2006.
It examines the significance of gene technology in sport and to society in general. The publication is an international and multidisciplinary review produced under the editorship of two Maastricht University professors: Dr Ivo van Hilvoorde (Human Movement Sciences) and Dr Bernike Pasveer (Social Philosophy). They sought to include as many viewpoints as possible with regard to the desirability, implications and policy aspects of the use of genetic technology in elite sport. Beter dan goed is available from book retailers.
The 'Elite Sport' project was completed in April 2006.