Publication Type

Working Paper

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

3-2002

Abstract

This paper searches for a new growth engine in the new Info-Tech economy. IT-network effects are incorporated into Romer’s (1990) framework. Network effects support long-term steady state growth in per capita variables even without innovation, and growth rate increases with network externalities. Networked growth is sub-optimal, so should we break up an IT monopoly? To answer this we compare monopoly, Cournot and Bertrand set-ups. Cournot always ranks last socially, but Bertrand can be superior to monopoly if network effects are strong. When network interacts with Romer’s endogenous innovation, growth rate increases, probably by up to a percentage point per year.

Discipline

Economics | Growth and Development | Macroeconomics

Research Areas

Macroeconomics

Volume

04-2002

First Page

1

Last Page

28

Publisher

SMU Economics and Statistics Working Paper Series, No. 04-2002

City or Country

Singapore

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

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