*5.3.2 Collaboration among trading partners*

Blockchain implementation in food supply chain requires all relevant parties to have the similar level of technological awareness and maturity. The large company that initiates the blockchain project can provide necessary help to the other firms with lower digital readiness. But they first need to have the same conception about blockchain technology, and they must achieve a consensus on the benefits of blockchain-based food supply chain transformation. Mutual commitment and shared vision are the foundations of any supply chain collaboration. If the other firms share the same vision with the focal firm and they are willing to engage in collaboration to facilitate the co-adoption of blockchain, then this paves the way for the focal firm to adopt blockchain.

### *5.3.3 Competitive pressure*

Modern food supply chain actors can leverage technological innovations to gain a competitive advantage over competitors. By adopting innovative technologies, firms may change the rules of competition and exploit new ways to outperform competitors, thus changing the competitive structure of the industry. Blockchain technology has promising applications in the field of agri-food distribution, food origin and sourcing, and food safety and quality. Many firms are looking to reap such benefits in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Therefore, it can be assumed that companies will adopt blockchain if their competitors are also considering it.
