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The efficiency of competing vertical chains with network externalities

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  • Lee, DongJoon
  • Choi, Kangsik

Abstract

This paper compares vertical integration and vertical separation with network externalities. Contrary to conventional wisdom, if network effects are stronger than the threshold level of the network externality parameter, manufacturers’ strategic choices of wholesale prices move in opposite directions (i.e., wholesale prices may be strategic substitutes under Bertrand competition). Second, if the strength of network effects is strong enough, both profits and outputs are larger under vertical separation than under integration. Finally, if network effects are strong (weak), outputs (wholesale prices, retail prices), consumer surplus, and social welfare are higher (lower) under separation than integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, DongJoon & Choi, Kangsik, 2018. "The efficiency of competing vertical chains with network externalities," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 1-5.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:168:y:2018:i:c:p:1-5
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2018.03.019
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Habiger, Peter & Kopel, Michael, 2020. "Strategic delegation in successive oligopolies with differentiated firms," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).
    3. Mihaela STEFAN & Andreea MARIN-PANTELESCU & Mirela TÃœRKES, 2018. "Strategic Management Of The Romanian Telecommunication Services," Proceedings of the INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 12(1), pages 451-461, November.
    4. Yasuhiro Arai & Noriaki Matsushima, 2023. "The impacts of suppliers and mutual outsourcing on organizational forms," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 56(1), pages 114-132, February.
    5. Ryo Hashizume & Takeshi Ikeda & Tatsuhiko Nariu, 2021. "Price discrimination with network effects: different welfare results from identical demand functions," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 41(3), pages 1807-1812.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Network effects; Competition effects; Strategic substitutes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics

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