Abstract
Kochi University, after transformed into the national university corporation, specified on the 3rd mid-term plan that acted as a hub of knowledge, interaction, and human resource development in local areas, in order to establish the foundation of a higher educational institution as a "local oriented university".
Since 2013, the national reform project for universities named "Center of Community; COC" have been implemented by Ministry of Education, Cultural, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan. Four University Block Coordinators in Kochi University being assigned and stationed in each zoned area of Kochi Prefecture, in line with this project, have made efforts in the frontline as a key player who should backup the development of organizational collaboration between the university and local communities.
This paper will introduce the recent case studies of collaborative activities with University Block Coordinators, Kochi University and local stakeholders and present the challenges and prospects facing higher educational institutions.
