Introducing blockchain into low-carbon e-commerce supply chains: a differential game analysis in monopoly and oligopoly markets

This paper proposes a dynamic game theory model based on the brand goodwill to examine how Blockchain Technology (BT) improves the performance of Low-carbon e-commerce supply chain (LC-ECSC) and what factors facilitate the introduction of BT in both monopoly and oligopoly competition market. Through analytical models, this paper finds that BT can improve LC-ECSCs performance through the brand premium effect and brand attraction effect in monopoly markets. However, in oligopoly competition markets, these effects of BT diminish as competition intensifies. In terms of introduction, in monopoly markets, the introduction of BT has consistently proven to be the optimal strategy for LC-ECSCs. In oligopoly competition markets, the optimal strategy of introducing BT will be affected by the degree of competition and the degree of BT to enhance brand loyalty. Specifically, both manufacturers could introduce BT when BT’s enhancement degree is significant and competition is low; otherwise, individual introduction strategies are preferable. Furthermore, for the stability of the LC-ECSC, only under an extremely low degree of competition can all members reach a stable strategy. This paper serves as a roadmap for enterprises to introduce cooperation in BT and provide valuable evidence for the government to promote the introduction of BT.