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Optimal Diversity in Investments with Recombinant Innovation

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Author Info
Zeppini Rossi, P. () (Universiteit van Amsterdam)
Bergh, J.C.J.M. van der (Autonomous University of Barcelona)

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Abstract

The notion of dynamic, endogenous diversity and its role in theories of investment and technological innovation is addressed. We develop a formal model of an innovation arising from the combination of two existing modules with the objective to optimize the net benefits of diversity. The model takes into account increasing returns to scale and the effect of different dimensions of diversity on the probability of emergence of a third option. We obtain analytical solutions describing the dynamic behaviour of the values of the options. Next diversity is optimized by trading off the benefits of recombinant innovation and returns to scale. We derive conditions for optimal diversity under different regimes of returns to scale. Threshold values of returns to scale and recombination probability define regions where either specialization or diversity is the best choice. In the time domain, when the investment time horizon is beyond a threshold value, a diversified investment becomes the best choice. This threshold will be larger the higher the returns to scale.

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Paper provided by Universiteit van Amsterdam, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics in Economics and Finance in its series CeNDEF Working Papers with number 08-12.

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Date of creation: 2008
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Handle: RePEc:ams:ndfwpp:08-12

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Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
  1. Weitzman, Martin L, 1992. "On Diversity," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, MIT Press, vol. 107(2), pages 363-405, May. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  2. Jeroen C.J.M. van den Bergh & Paolo Zeppini-Rossi, 2008. "Optimal Diversity in Investments with Recombinant Innovation," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 08-091/1, Tinbergen Institute. [Downloadable!]
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  3. Frenken, Koen & Saviotti, Paolo P. & Trommetter, Michel, 1999. "Variety and niche creation in aircraft, helicopters, motorcycles and microcomputers," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 28(5), pages 469-488, June. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  4. Andy Stirling, 2007. "A General Framework for Analysing Diversity in Science, Technology and Society," SPRU Electronic Working Paper Series 156, University of Sussex, SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research. [Downloadable!]
  5. Arrow, Kenneth J & Fisher, Anthony C, 1974. "Environmental Preservation, Uncertainty, and Irreversibility," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, MIT Press, vol. 88(2), pages 312-19, May. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  6. van den Bergh, Jeroen C.J.M., 2008. "Optimal diversity: Increasing returns versus recombinant innovation," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 68(3-4), pages 565-580, December. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  7. van den Heuvel, Stijn T.A. & van den Bergh, Jeroen C.J.M., 2009. "Multilevel assessment of diversity, innovation and selection in the solar photovoltaic industry," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 50-60, March. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  1. Zeppini Rossi, P. & Bergh, J.C.J.M. van der, 2008. "Optimal Diversity in Investments with Recombinant Innovation," CeNDEF Working Papers 08-12, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics in Economics and Finance. [Downloadable!]
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