This paper presents a general framework for analysing stochastic stability in models with evolution at two levels. Under certain conditions the theory of nearly-complete decomposability can be used to disentangle these two levels. They can then be studied separately and the equilibrium of one can be used to obtain the equilibrium of the other. This gives an approximation of the equi- librium of the combined dynamics. This approached is applied to a model of conjectural variation and imitation in Cournot oligopoly. If behavioural change takes place infrequently, the Walrasian equilibrium is the unique stochastically stable outcome. As a corollary, it is indicated that smaller industries are more competitive than larger ones.
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Paper provided by Trinity College Dublin, Department of Economics in its series Trinity Economics Papers with number
tep6.
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Find related papers by JEL classification: L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
References listed on IDEAS 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.:
Burkhard C. Schipper, 2005.
"Imitators and Optimizers in Cournot Oligopoly,"
Discussion Papers
53, SFB/TR 15 Governance and the Efficiency of Economic Systems, Free University of Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Bonn, University of Mannheim, University of Munich.
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