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Winning while losing: Competition dynamics in the presence of indirect network effects

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  • Markovich, Sarit
  • Moenius, Johannes

Abstract

What determines competition dynamics in markets with indirect network effects? We analyze this question in a dynamic hardware-software framework, where software firms compete in quality upgrades. We identify market structure as a major determinant of competition dynamics. Indirect network effects tie together the performance of firms on the same platform: a successful competitor raises the value of all firms on the same platform, where an unsuccessful firm may enjoy a windfall increase in its market value. In contrast to the tipping result in the literature, we find tendencies toward increasing competition across platforms for a wide range of market structures.

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  • Markovich, Sarit & Moenius, Johannes, 2009. "Winning while losing: Competition dynamics in the presence of indirect network effects," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 27(3), pages 346-357, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:indorg:v:27:y:2009:i:3:p:346-357
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