Cooperative Game-Theoretic Analysis of the Collaborative Strategy in Inter-University Coalitions: A Case Study of Japanese Women’s Universities

This study aims to evaluate the multidimensional characteristics of Japanese universities and construct a cooperative strategy model based on cooperative game theory under geographic and institutional constraints. Weighted scores were computed, complementarity and coalition value were defined, and a coalition value function incorporating friction costs was formulated under four constraint scenarios. The empirical analysis based on 45 private women’s universities confirmed the model stability and interpretability. Core universities consistently emerged as coalition centers. Although the constraint altered the network density and coalition composition, the overall ranking of the cooperative value remained unchanged. In conclusion, the framework demonstrated a mathematically operational cooperative strategy that provided computational guidance for sustaining the social role of universities.