Analysis
ISU Vision 2030: A new strategic framework for skating
Analysis
ISU Vision 2030: A new strategic framework for skating
Les Suprêmes Junior - CAN (Credits: Ville Vairinen - 2025)
The International Skating Union (ISU) has released its Vision 2030, a long-term strategic framework aimed at guiding the future of all ice skating disciplines.
The ISU has officially opened this week its new "Home of Skating" in Lausanne (Switzerland). The building consolidates the ISU's administrative, media, and operational functions and is located near the IOC. A few weeks earlier, the organization had unveiled a refreshed visual identity, designed to align skating’s image with modern digital standards and to unify all disciplines under a single brand.
Under the "Vision 2030" strategy, the ISU emphasizes Growth, Opportunity, Innovation, Safeguarding, and Unity. Here are a few examples of areas of action:
Under the "Vision 2030" strategy, the ISU emphasizes Growth, Opportunity, Innovation, Safeguarding, and Unity. Here are a few examples of areas of action:
- Digital and in-venue experience: The ISU plans to make rules, scoring, and decisions easier to understand through enhanced visuals and supporting footage for TV and arena audiences. Commentary, dynamic graphics, and immersive presentation will be used to improve engagement across platforms.
- Event presentation: New technologies such as digital signage, upgraded camera systems, and LED displays aim to enhance the atmosphere in arenas and raise sponsor visibility.
- Technology and AI: The ISU plans to explore the use of artificial intelligence to support officiating, training analysis, and data for commentary. Operational IT systems are also being modernized.
- Junior competitions: The ISU intends to upgrade junior-level events to give young skaters more visibility and international exposure.
- Athlete well-being: Athlete health and safety remain a priority, with continued focus on mental and physical safeguarding.
- Sustainability: The ISU is working to reduce its environmental impact through energy-efficient arenas, sustainable travel practices, and eco-conscious rink maintenance. It is also partnering with sustainability-focused organizations to accelerate change.
To support its development programs, the ISU has launched "GoodGrants",a centralized online platform for managing grant applications.
ISU Members can use this portal to apply for financial support related to coaching, camps, athlete training, and other development activities.
ISU Members can use this portal to apply for financial support related to coaching, camps, athlete training, and other development activities.
With a new headquarters, a unified brand identity, and a strategic roadmap through 2030, the ISU is restructuring how it operates, communicates, and supports its disciplines. Whether in technology, sustainability, or funding mechanisms, these changes aim to modernize skating governance at every level.
While Vision 2030 outlines broad objectives and initiatives across all ISU disciplines, synchronized skating is not mentioned explicitly. These are long-term directions, and it remains to be seen how — or if — this new framework will have a direct and measurable impact on the sport.
While Vision 2030 outlines broad objectives and initiatives across all ISU disciplines, synchronized skating is not mentioned explicitly. These are long-term directions, and it remains to be seen how — or if — this new framework will have a direct and measurable impact on the sport.
