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Irreversible investment and information acquisition under uncertainty

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  • Caroline Orset

Abstract

We analyse the decision of an agent to invest in new industrial activities the con- sequences of which on people's health and the environment are initially unknown. The agent does not have the possibility of delaying her/his investment but s/he gets the opportunity to acquire information in order to reduce her/his uncertainty. We find that the agent always invests unless the cost exceeds the direct benefit, and does acquire information with a certain degree of precision. Moreover, we show that acquiring information can encourage the agent to make a larger investment. Likewise, we identify all factors that might modify the agent's decisions. We then discuss some political instruments that could make it easier for investors to both in- novate and acquire information. Finally, the impact of insurance on the investment and information acquisition decisions is also examined.

Suggested Citation

  • Caroline Orset, 2010. "Irreversible investment and information acquisition under uncertainty," Working Papers 2010/01, INRA, Economie Publique.
    • Handle: RePEc:apu:wpaper:2010/01
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • H81 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Governmental Loans; Loan Guarantees; Credits; Grants; Bailouts

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