Independent vs. collaborative blockchain research and development: operational decisions in food supply chainsKang, Y. X. (Avtor) Feng, J. Y. (Avtor) Zhang, W. J. (Avtor) blockchain adoptionfood supply chainsgame theorycompetitive collaborationoperation strategyspillover effectsAs blockchain increasingly demonstrates advantages in enhancing consumer trust and reducing collaborative production costs in food supply chains, more food companies are developing blockchain-based supply chain management platforms. However, in a complex and competitive supply chain environment, food companies face critical operational management challenges in selecting appropriate blockchain R&D approaches and determining optimal R&D levels. This study examines two competing food companies deciding on their optimal food production and blockchain R&D levels. We first established a benchmark model without blockchain adoption. Then, we constructed supply chain operation models for both independent and collaborative blockchain R&D scenarios. By comparing equilibrium decisions across different models, we derived the optimal blockchain R&D model and operational strategies in food supply chains. Furthermore, we extended our analysis to consider asymmetric food substitution scenarios. Our findings revealed that independent blockchain R&D tends to increase equilibrium food production and is more suitable for premium food supply chains. Conversely, collaborative blockchain R&D significantly enhanced overall supply chain profitability. As spillover effects increase, food companies are likely to favor independent blockchain R&D to achieve higher R&D levels and stronger market competitiveness. Additionally, we demonstrated that blockchain R&D levels are influenced by food substitutability and quality credibility.Fakulteta za strojništvo20252026-01-19 15:06:09Članek v reviji96563UDK: 658.7COBISS_ID: 265279235DOI: 10.14743/apem2025.1.527ISSN pri članku: 1854-6250sl