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Fast, "Robust", and Approximately Correct: Estimating Mixed Demand Systems

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  • Bernard Salanié
  • Frank A. Wolak

Abstract

Many econometric models used in applied work integrate over unobserved heterogeneity. We show that a class of these models that includes many random coefficients demand systems can be approximated by a “small-σ” expansion that yields a linear two-stage least squares estimator. We study in detail the models of product market shares and prices popular in empirical IO. Our estimator is only approximately correct, but it performs very well in practice. It is extremely fast and easy to implement, and it is “robust” to changes in the higher moments of the distribution of the random coefficients. At the very least, it provides excellent starting values for more commonly used estimators of these models.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernard Salanié & Frank A. Wolak, 2019. "Fast, "Robust", and Approximately Correct: Estimating Mixed Demand Systems," NBER Working Papers 25726, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:25726
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    5. Polo, Alberto & Taburet, Arthur & Vo, Quynh-Anh, 2025. "Screening using a menu of contracts: A structural model for lending markets," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L00 - Industrial Organization - - General - - - General
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets

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