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Contests on networks

Author

Listed:
  • Alexander Matros

    (University of South Carolina
    Lancaster University Management School)

  • David Rietzke

    (Lancaster University Management School)

Abstract

We develop a model of contests on networks. Each player is connected to a set of contests and exerts a single effort to increase the probability of winning each contest to which she is connected. We explore how behavior is shaped by the pattern of interactions and characterize the networks that tend to induce greater effort; in particular, we show that the complete bipartite network is the unique structure that maximizes aggregate player effort. We also obtain a new exclusion result—akin to the Exclusion Principle of Baye et al. (Am Econ Rev 83(1):289-294, 1993)—which holds under the lottery CSF, and contrasts prior work in contests. Finally, new insight into uniqueness of equilibrium for network contest games is provided. Our framework has a broad range of applications, including research and development, advertising, and research funding.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Matros & David Rietzke, 2024. "Contests on networks," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 78(3), pages 815-841, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joecth:v:78:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s00199-024-01562-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s00199-024-01562-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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