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Planned obsolescence and monopoly undersupply

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  • Miao, Chun-Hui

Abstract

This paper examines the welfare implications of planned obsolescence in situations where the traditional monopoly undersupply exists. We find that the monopolist's introduction of incompatibility between successive generations of products alleviates the monopoly undersupply problem and may therefore generate higher social welfare than compatibility. Paradoxically, the stronger the network effects, the more likely welfare will increase as a result of incompatibility. Our result also extends to two-sided markets characterized by indirect network effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Miao, Chun-Hui, 2011. "Planned obsolescence and monopoly undersupply," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 51-58, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iepoli:v:23:y:2011:i:1:p:51-58
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    3. Kuppelwieser, Volker G. & Klaus, Phil & Manthiou, Aikaterini & Boujena, Othman, 2019. "Consumer responses to planned obsolescence," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 157-165.

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