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The value of network information: Assortative mixing makes the difference

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  • Belhaj, Mohamed
  • Deroïan, Frédéric

Abstract

A monopoly sells a network good to a large population of consumers. We explore how the monopoly's profit and the consumer surplus vary with the arrival of public information about the network structure. The analysis reveals that, under homogeneous preferences for the good, degree assortativity ensures that information arrival increases both profit and consumer surplus. In contrast, heterogeneous preferences for the good can create a tension between consumer surplus and profit.

Suggested Citation

  • Belhaj, Mohamed & Deroïan, Frédéric, 2021. "The value of network information: Assortative mixing makes the difference," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 428-442.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:gamebe:v:126:y:2021:i:c:p:428-442
    DOI: 10.1016/j.geb.2020.12.008
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    Cited by:

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    2. Chen, Ying-Ju & Zenou, Yves & Zhou, Junjie, 2022. "The impact of network topology and market structure on pricing," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Monopoly; Network effects; Network information; Bonacich centrality; Degree assortativity; Assortative mixing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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