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Technology adoption: Hysteresis and absence of lock-in

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  • Colla, Paolo
  • Garcia, Filomena

Abstract

We introduce a simple model of technology adoption with overlapping generations of players. Technologies generate network effects, and players are both backward- and forward-looking. We use results from the supermodular games literature to guarantee equilibrium existence and uniqueness. In line with the empirical literature, the equilibrium adoption path exhibits hysteresis and technologies cannot lock-in. We characterize the expected time of adoption, which can be seen as a measure of technology dominance.

Suggested Citation

  • Colla, Paolo & Garcia, Filomena, 2016. "Technology adoption: Hysteresis and absence of lock-in," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 107-111.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:141:y:2016:i:c:p:107-111
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2015.12.017
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    Cited by:

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    2. Zhao, Congyu & Dong, Kangyin & Jiang, Hong-Dian & Wang, Kun & Dong, Xiucheng, 2023. "How does energy poverty eradication realize the path to carbon unlocking? The case of China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    3. Orlando Gomes, 2022. "Human capital and growth in an OLG-life cycle model," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 2(1), pages 1-26, January.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Path dependence; Supermodular games; Overlapping generations; Stochastic technology values;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • D84 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Expectations; Speculations
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation

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