Governance Logic and Collaborative Mechanism for the IP-ization of Rural Sports Events under Digital Empowerment

Abstract

Against the converging backdrop of China's Rural Revitalization, Digital China, and Strong Sports Nation strategies, rural sports events, represented by the "Village Super League" ("Cun Chao") and "Village BA" ("Cun BA"), have emerged explosively. They demonstrate powerful cultural communication capabilities and industrial derivative potential, with their "IP-ization" (Intellectual Property-ization) becoming a new kinetic force for comprehensive rural revitalization. However, the explosive growth of these phenomenal events is accompanied by severe governance challenges. These include the conflict between cultural authenticity and excessive commercialization, the contradiction between short-term traffic dividends and long-term sustainable development, the interest imbalances among pluralistic actors, and the "technological paradox" introduced by digital technology intervention. Traditional governance models dominated by a single actor are no longer adequate for the complex ecosystem of rural sports IP-ization in the digital age. It is imperative to construct a governance system that is adaptive, inclusive, and resilient. Adhering to a qualitative research paradigm, this paper employs governance theory, digital empowerment theory, and co-evolutionary theory to deeply analyze the internal mechanisms of digital technology empowering the IP-ization of rural sports events. The study posits that digital technology is not merely a communication tool but a fundamental force reshaping the production relations, organizational forms, and value chains of rural sports, fostering a connection between the "glocal" (global + local) value of the IP. However, technological empowerment also triggers governance dilemmas such as the "digital divide," "platform dependency," and "cultural alienation." The study argues that the governance logic for rural sports event IP-ization must fundamentally shift from "singular control" to "pluralistic collaboration," from "empirical decision-making" to "data-driven" governance, and from "rigid regulation" to "resilient good governance." Based on this, the paper constructs a "five-in-one" collaborative governance mechanism framework. This includes: a dynamic mechanism centered on "value co-creation and benefit sharing"; a coordination mechanism keyed on "digital negotiation and platform regulation"; a guarantee mechanism based on "digital infrastructure and digital literacy"; a deviation correction mechanism guided by "culture-centrism and risk prevention"; and a subject-responsibility mechanism that clarifies the roles of the government (helmsman), villagers (protagonists), platforms (connectors), capital (boosters), and professional elites (think tank). This research aims to provide a theoretical reference and practical strategy for the sustainable development of rural sports event IP in the digital age, aspiring to achieve true resonance between technological empowerment and rural cultural revitalization.