Definition ∞ A Vertical Integration Stack in the blockchain context refers to a protocol or ecosystem that develops and controls multiple layers of its technological infrastructure. This spans from the base layer blockchain to application-specific services built upon it. This approach aims to optimize performance, security, and user experience by tightly coupling different components. It allows for specialized functionalities and streamlined operations within a single framework.
Context ∞ The concept of a vertical integration stack is a subject of strategic discussion among blockchain developers and project teams, balancing the benefits of specialization with broader interoperability. News often examines projects that adopt this model, evaluating its advantages in terms of efficiency and control versus potential drawbacks such as vendor lock-in or reduced composability within the larger decentralized ecosystem.