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Strategic R&D And Network Compatibility

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  • Pekka Saaskilahti

Abstract

We analyse the effects of network externalities in strategic R&D competition. We present a model of two firms competing with R&D investments and prices in a differentiated consumer market. Buyers form firm-specific networks which can be compatible. A high degree of compatibility and large spillovers moderate price competition due to weak strategic value of firm-specific networks and R&D investments, respectively. Asymmetry in product qualities brings out network effects that cancel out in conventional symmetric settings. The lower quality firm increases R&D and decreases its price as spillovers or network compatibility is increased. This happens when R&D and firm-specific network size have high strategic value.

Suggested Citation

  • Pekka Saaskilahti, 2006. "Strategic R&D And Network Compatibility," Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(8), pages 711-733.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ecinnt:v:15:y:2006:i:8:p:711-733
    DOI: 10.1080/10438590500510657
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    Cited by:

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    2. Shrivastav, Sumit, 2021. "Network compatibility, intensity of competition and process R&D: A generalization," Mathematical Social Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 152-163.
    3. Naskar, Mili & Pal, Rupayan, 2020. "Network externalities and process R&D: A Cournot–Bertrand comparison," Mathematical Social Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 51-58.
    4. Tsuyoshi Toshimitsu, 2023. "The Impact of Compatibility on Incentives to Innovate in a Network Goods Market: A Duopoly Case," Discussion Paper Series 253, School of Economics, Kwansei Gakuin University.
    5. Karbowski, Adam & Kryśkiewicz, Łukasz & Prokop, Jacek, 2018. "Kartele jako przedmiot polityki gospodarczej [Cartels in Public Policy Perspective]," MPRA Paper 90364, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 2018.

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