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Production of Commodities by Means of Parts: Generative Structures, Modules, and Productive Possibilities

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  • Zhang, Zuhang

Abstract

Production theory records feasible input-output quantities. This paper develops a generative representation beneath that record. A commodity is defined as a structured functional object, and production is represented by directed generative structures that transform parts, operations, and knowledge into modules and final commodities. The paper defines generative length, minimal generative complexity, organizational gain, socially normal recipes, and execution labels. It proves that the standard production set is a projection of generative production space, that this projection loses dynamic information about future productive possibilities, and that recipe-space productivity improvements admit an exact mechanism decomposition.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Zuhang, 2026. "Production of Commodities by Means of Parts: Generative Structures, Modules, and Productive Possibilities," MPRA Paper 129956, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:129956
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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