Construction of a "Universities - Research Institutes - Communities" Linkage Mechanism for TCM Science Popularization Driven by Collaborative Governance Theory

Abstract

In the current era of comprehensively advancing the Healthy China initiative and enhancing cultural confidence, the importance of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) science popularization has become increasingly prominent. However, existing TCM science popularization practices face challenges such as fragmented resources, mismatch between supply and demand, shortage of professionals, and insufficient effect evaluation. Based on collaborative governance theory, this paper aims to construct a new mechanism for TCM science popularization that involves the collaborative linkage of three main entities: universities, TCM research institutes, and communities. The article first analyzes the opportunities and challenges currently faced by TCM science popularization and elaborates on the applicability of collaborative governance theory in this field. Subsequently, it systematically examines the roles and functions of these three entities within the linkage: universities as the source of knowledge production and talent cultivation; research institutes as hubs for transformation and resource provision; and communities as the frontline for demand feedback and practical application. Building upon this analysis, the paper proposes pathways for constructing the linkage mechanism, including establishing an organizational structure and operational platform for collaborative governance, designing a diversified system of popular science content and activities, building a professional team of science communicators, and creating a scientific evaluation and feedback loop. This research aims to integrate multi-party resources to form a new collaborative governance paradigm for TCM science popularization characterized by complementary advantages, shared responsibility, and mutual benefits, with the goal of enhancing the precision, effectiveness, and sustainability of science popularization services. It seeks to provide theoretical reference and practical models for the inheritance and innovation of TCM culture and the improvement of national health literacy in the new era.