The dynamic interactions of policy instruments in China's community sports governance: a tripartite evolutionary game analysis

Community sports governance critically shapes public health by affecting physical activity and chronic disease prevention. In China, shifting toward collaborative governance involving local governments, communities, and sports organizations is vital for optimizing public health resources, yet the strategic dynamics among these stakeholders remain poorly understood. This study employs a tripartite evolutionary game model to analyze their interactions, incorporating three policy instruments: fiscal incentives (α), performance pressure (β), and digital empowerment (γ). Numerical simulations reveal that intermediate subsidy levels and relaxed performance metrics often induce persistent strategic oscillations, undermining service stability. Conversely, strong administrative oversight (low β) and, more effectively, robust digital empowerment (high γ) significantly stabilize cooperation. A "Technology-Driven" strategy emerges as the most efficient pathway to a stable, fully cooperative equilibrium, ensuring reliable sports service delivery. The study concludes that effective governance requires a shift from subsidy reliance to frameworks centered on digital enablement and intelligent accountability. By lowering coordination costs and aligning stakeholder incentives, such an approach can foster a sustainable collaborative ecosystem that promotes physical activity and improves population health outcomes.