The transformative potential of blockchain technology in developing green supply chain: An evolutionary perspective on complex networks

Distrust is the main obstacle to the green transformation of supply chain. Blockchain can rebuild trust among multiple participants by employing distributed information technologies. Based on complex network evolutionary game models, this paper tries to reveal the transformative potential of blockchain in promoting the green transformation of the supply chain. Simulation experiments with real electric vehicle data show that if adopting blockchain technology: i) the greenness of the supply chain can increase by 200% even without government policy intervention; by 75% when jointly optimizing the intensity of rewards and penalties; by 40% when exclusively adjusting the reward or penalty intensity; ii) the profits of both suppliers and manufacturers can be improved when they adopt green investment strategies, creating a "win-win" scenario. Besides, optimal government rewards and penalties are provided to accomplish various high levels of greenness in a blockchain supply chain network. This study not only quantifies the significant impact of blockchain technology on enhancing the greenness of supply chain, but also reveals the decision-making mechanisms of enterprises and government under varying degrees of greenness, providing theoretical guidance for enterprises and government to manage green blockchain supply chains.