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Valuing theater performances through benefit transfer: Accuracy of transfers over space

Author

Listed:
  • Ewa Zawojska

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw)

  • Bartosz Jusypenko

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw)

  • Aleksandra Wiśniewska

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw)

Abstract

Understanding the value of cultural goods such as performing arts is essential for designing welfare-maximizing cultural policies. However, since these goods often generate public externalities, market data alone cannot capture their full value. While primary non-market valuation studies offer robust insights, they are resource-intensive. Benefit transfer (BT)—using value estimates from existing studies to assess unstudied contexts—offers a cost-effective alternative. This study examines the accuracy of BT in cultural economics, focusing on marginal values of theater performances. Using data from a discrete choice experiment (DCE) conducted in six Polish provinces, we perform inter-provincial transfers of marginal willingness-to-pay values for four types of theater performances. By comparing transferred values with primary estimates, we assess BT’s validity and reliability. To our knowledge, this is the first BT study in cultural economics using DCE-derived marginal values. Our findings suggest that BT accuracy in culture aligns with results from more established fields, supporting the use of DCE-based estimates in cultural policy evaluation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ewa Zawojska & Bartosz Jusypenko & Aleksandra Wiśniewska, 2025. "Valuing theater performances through benefit transfer: Accuracy of transfers over space," Working Papers 2025-10, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw.
    • Handle: RePEc:war:wpaper:2025-10
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    File URL: https://www.wne.uw.edu.pl/download_file/5531/0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    accuracy; benefit transfer; discrete choice experiment; performing arts; reliability; validity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H43 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Project Evaluation; Social Discount Rate
    • Z11 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economics of the Arts and Literature
    • Z18 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Public Policy

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