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Market Power, Innovation, and the Green Transition

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  • Rik Rozendaal

Abstract

This paper studies the relationship between climate policy, market power and innovation. Using data on patenting and firms' balance sheets, I document that firms with a higher degree of market power are, on average, more invested in dirty technologies than their direct competitors. I then develop a model of directed technical change with strategic innovation incentives, incorporating the empirical evidence. A carbon tax affects market power and both the intensity and the direction of innovation. In the calibrated model, a carbon tax lowers aggregate markups and increases clean innovation while also increasing dirty innovation by some firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Rik Rozendaal, 2025. "Market Power, Innovation, and the Green Transition," CESifo Working Paper Series 11938, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11938
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O44 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Environment and Growth
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation

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