Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the coordination and cooperation among
university-based community sport clubs (UCSCs), university, and community in accordance with
the regional triple helix model. Data from representatives of three UCSCs were collected by
conducting semi-structured interviews. The UCSCs' developmental processes were explained from
the perspectives of knowledge space, consensus space, and innovation space. Furthermore, the
relationship between the UCSCs, university, and community was examined from hard, soft, and
human perspectives.
As a result, a “consensus space” was formed during the founding phase of the UCSC's, and the
UCSC's developed through the expansion of the “knowledge space” and “innovation space” around
human resources in the university. The results indicate that with respect to the cooperation between
UCSCs and the university, the latter provided its campus with sports facilities free of charge for
the UCSCs' activities. Furthermore, the human resources at the university were also shared with
UCSCs. However, UCSCs were utilized as places for practical student education. In relation to
the cooperation between UCSCs and the community, local residents were involved in UCSCs as
management staff and/or coaches. With respect to the cooperation between the university and
community, the campus sports facilities were opened to the residents in the community as part of
the university's social contribution. Moreover, various sport events were held at the university for
local residents.
In conclusion, this study revealed that the cooperation among the triple helix can lead to
the development of UCSCs by working with them toward the common purpose of community
development.
