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Cognitive Microfoundations for the Economics of Nonrival Goods

Author

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  • Dragos Simandan

    (Brock University)

Abstract

This paper shows that the economics of nonrival goods cannot be fully comprehended without taking into account the role of intelligence differences among economic agents. The analysis focuses on Paul Romer’s contributions and explains that the study of the economics of ideas (memes) through an institutional lens alone misses the crucial economic implications of the interplay between genes and memes. Ideas appear to be nonrival if and only to the extent that we neglect wide individual differences in the capacity to appropriate ideas. Differences in intelligence among humans make the theoretically and politically appealing non-rivalry of ideas a practical falsehood.

Suggested Citation

  • Dragos Simandan, 2010. "Cognitive Microfoundations for the Economics of Nonrival Goods," Economic Analysis, Institute of Economic Sciences, vol. 43(3-4), pages 87-96.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibg:eajour:v:43:y:2010:i:3-4:p:87-96
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    File URL: http://www.ien.bg.ac.rs/index.php/en/2010/2010-3-4
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Paul Romer; innovation; imitation; nonrival goods; intelligence; creativity; knowledge spillovers; positive feedback loops;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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