How Can Science and Technology Backyards Lead Smallholder Farmers Toward Green Transformation? An Evolutionary Game Analysis of a Tripartite Interaction

Yanhu Bai, Cong Zhu, Jianli Luo () and Xiaomin Zou
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Yanhu Bai: Business College, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325006, China
Cong Zhu: Business College, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325006, China
Jianli Luo: Business College, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325006, China
Xiaomin Zou: Business College, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325006, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-30

Abstract: The green transition of smallholder farmers is a critical component in expanding the scale of green agricultural production in China. This research investigates how Science and Technology Backyards facilitate the ecological transformation process for small-scale agricultural producers by developing a three-party evolutionary game framework that incorporates Science and Technology Backyards (STBs), smallholder farmers, and research institutions. The main findings are as follows: (1) Under specific parameter conditions, the system converges to two stable equilibrium points: (0,0,0), where none of the three parties engage in cooperation, and (1,1,1), where full participation and collaboration among all parties are achieved. (2) Science and Technology Backyards exhibit a strong tendency to avoid bearing research costs and demonstrate high sensitivity to economic returns, indicating a clear preference for profit maximization. (3) Research institutes can effectively reduce the cost of technology trials through cooperation with Science and Technology Backyards; however, excessively high trial costs significantly weaken the willingness to collaborate. This study provides a scientific basis for decision-making by stakeholders involved in Science and Technology Backyard initiatives and offers theoretical support for advancing the green transformation of smallholder farmers through the Science and Technology Backyard.

Keywords: Science and Technology Backyards; evolutionary game; green technologies; smallholder farmers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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