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New Goods

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  • Kiminori Matsuyama

Abstract

The standard practice in economic theory is to assume that all the relevant variables (e.g., the space of all the goods of potential economic value) and all the relevant constraints are known to the policymaker or to the designer of an economic system. This often unstated assumption (or the belief implictly embodied in it) inadvertently creates an illusion about our ability to design an economic system and control the process of resource allocation. In this paper, a series of examples is developed to illustrate that this modelling approach has the danger of misdirecting our attention when evaluating alternative forms of economic system. Some implications for reforms in the former socialist economies are also drawn.

Suggested Citation

  • Kiminori Matsuyama, 1995. "New Goods," Discussion Papers 1124, Northwestern University, Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:nwu:cmsems:1124
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kiminori Matsuyama, 1995. "Complementarities and Cumulative Processes in Models of Monopolistic Competition," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 33(2), pages 701-729, June.
    2. Qian, Yingyi & Roland, Gérard, 1994. "Regional Decentralization and the Soft Budget Constraint: The Case of China," CEPR Discussion Papers 1013, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    3. Kiminiori Matsuyama, 1995. "Economic Development as Coordination Problems," Discussion Papers 1123, Northwestern University, Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science.
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