Idan is a Danish Institute for Sports Studies that aims to provide a general overview and insight into the fields of sports and non-formal education. As a self-governing institution operating under the Danish Ministry of Culture, their mission is to analyze policy initiatives and initiate public debate on key issues within these fields. Idan focuses on various areas such as sports and exercise habits of the Danish population, sports facilities, sports associations, sports economy, and elite sports.

They also include the Danish Institute for Non-Formal Education (Vifo) and the international sports political initiative Play the Game. Vifo, similar to Idan, analyzes and shares knowledge with a particular focus on non-formal education and democratic voluntary activity. On the other hand, Play the Game promotes democracy, transparency, and freedom of expression in international sports through organizing conferences that bring together journalists, sports leaders, whistleblowers, and other stakeholders in the world of sport.

With their vision to be a leading knowledge partner, Idan strives to qualify the work with key issues in sport and non-formal education, stimulate political discussions, and find lasting solutions. Their values include expertise, relevance, impact, independence, interdisciplinarity, and professionalism. Funding for Idan comes from a basic annual grant from the Danish Ministry of Culture and other commercial activities.

The institute is managed by director Troels Rasmussen and a board consisting of six members appointed by the Danish Minister for Culture