Green technology acquisition strategies for chemical enterprises considering competition effects and spillover effects

Purpose Green technology, characterized by its environmentally friendly attributes and sustainable practices, has emerged as a crucial tool in harmonizing the economic and ecological benefits. However, the challenge lies in selecting the most effective strategies for acquiring green technology. This paper aims to explore how chemical enterprises choose green technology acquisition strategies across diverse scenarios. Design/methodology/approach Considering the influence of competition effects, spillover effects and their interactions on selecting green technology acquisition strategies, this paper develops three decision models (independent R&D, cooperative R&D and technology introduction). Drawing on the duopoly game theory as its theoretical framework, this paper delves into the examination of the economic and environmental benefits within distinct scenarios. Findings Cooperative R&D excels in promoting green technology R&D when spillover effects are strong, while independent R&D demonstrates superiority when spillover effects are weak. The threshold for the strength of spillover effects is related to competition effects. Additionally, cooperative R&D typically yields greater financial advantages than independent R&D and technology introduction. Moreover, the economic and environmental benefits may not be optimized simultaneously. Only enterprises that satisfy low competition and spillover effects as well as high competition and spillover effects, can achieve win-win economic and environmental benefits. Originality/value Although green technology R&D and introduction are alternative strategies, they have typically been considered separately in prior literature. This study attempts to incorporate green technology R&D and introduction into a strategic system to investigate the selection of green technology acquisition strategies, taking into account competition effects, spillover effects and their interactions.