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The Welfare Analysis of Product Innovations with an Application to CT Scanners

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  • Manuel Trajtenberg

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is to put forward a methodology for the measurement of product innovations using a value metric, i.e., equating the "magnitude" of innovations with the welfare gains that they generate. This research design is applied to the case of Computed Tomography (CT) Scanners, a revolutionary innovation in medical technology. The econometric procedure centers on the estimation of a discrete choice model (the nested multinominal logit), that yeilds the parameters of a utility function defined over the-changing-quality dimensions of the innovative product. The estimated flow of social gains from innovation is used primarily to compute a social rate of return to R&D, to explore the interrelation between innovation and diffusion, and to trace the time profile of benefits and costs, the latter suggesting the possible occurance of "technological cycles".

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel Trajtenberg, 1985. "The Welfare Analysis of Product Innovations with an Application to CT Scanners," NBER Working Papers 1724, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:1724
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. James Gaisford & Stefan Lutz, 2007. "A Multi-Product Framework Generating Waves of Mergers and Divestitures," ICER Working Papers 36-2007, ICER - International Centre for Economic Research.

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