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Aggregation with Cournot Competition: An Empirical Investigation

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  • Bertrand Koebel
  • François Laisney

Abstract

This paper empirically investigates the existence of Cournot equilibrium and the validity of the Le Chatelier-Samuelson (LCS) principle in the aggregate. Whereas two well known existence conditions are statistically rejected, we cannot reject a third, original, condition. We also find some empirical evidence for the LCS principle, as well as both increasing and constant returns to scale for two-digit US manufacturing industries. The results highlight the importance of imperfect competition for understanding aggregate growth, investment and employment.

Suggested Citation

  • Bertrand Koebel & François Laisney, 2016. "Aggregation with Cournot Competition: An Empirical Investigation," Annals of Economics and Statistics, GENES, issue 121-122, pages 91-119.
    • Handle: RePEc:adr:anecst:y:2016:i:121-122:p:91-119
    DOI: 10.15609/annaeconstat2009.121-122.91
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Diewert, W. Erwin & Fox, Kevin J., 2008. "On the estimation of returns to scale, technical progress and monopolistic markups," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 145(1-2), pages 174-193, July.
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    6. Catherine J. Morrison Paul & Donald Siegel, 1999. "Estimation of Scale Economies Underlying Growth and Productivity: The Empirical Implications of Data Aggregation," Southern Economic Journal, Southern Economic Association, vol. 65(4), pages 739-756, April.
    7. repec:adr:anecst:y:2014:i:115-116:p:13 is not listed on IDEAS
    8. Heiner, Ronald A, 1982. "Theory of the Firm in "Short-Run" Industry Equilibrium," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 72(3), pages 555-562, June.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Aggregation; Le Chatelier-Samuelson Principle; Returns to Scale; Market Power; Markup; Own-Price Elasticity.;

    JEL classification:

    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection

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