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Strategic Compatibility Choice, Network Alliance, and Welfare

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  • Tsuyoshi Toshimitsu

    (Kwansei Gakuin University)

Abstract

Based on a simple model of compatibility choice under differentiated Cournot duopoly with network externalities, we consider how the levels of a network externality and product substitutability affect the choice of compatibility. In particular, if the level of network externality is larger than that of product substitutability, there are multiple equilibria involving imperfect and perfect compatibility. Furthermore, we demonstrate the conditions for constructing such a network alliance so that firms provide perfectly compatible products. The network alliance is stable and socially optimal.

Suggested Citation

  • Tsuyoshi Toshimitsu, 2018. "Strategic Compatibility Choice, Network Alliance, and Welfare," Journal of Industry, Competition and Trade, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 245-252, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jincot:v:18:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s10842-017-0264-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10842-017-0264-1
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    Cited by:

    1. John S. Heywood & Zerong Wang & Guangliang Ye, 2022. "R&D rivalry with endogenous compatibility," Manchester School, University of Manchester, vol. 90(3), pages 354-384, June.
    2. Domenico Buccella & Luciano Fanti & Luca Gori, 2023. "Strategic product compatibility in network industries," Journal of Economics, Springer, vol. 140(2), pages 141-168, October.
    3. Tsuyoshi Toshimitsu, 2018. "Tacit collusion and its welfare effect in a network product market," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 38(4), pages 1787-1795.
    4. Lijuan Yang, 2023. "Recommendations for metaverse governance based on technical standards," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    5. Porchiung Ben Chou & Cesar Bandera, 2020. "An Oligopoly Game with Network Effects for Compatible and Incompatible Standards: As Applied to Short and Multimedia Message Services," International Journal of Business and Economics, School of Management Development, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan, vol. 19(1), pages 27-46, June.
    6. Wang, Wei & Lyu, Gaoyan, 2020. "Sequential product positioning on a platform in the presence of network effects," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    7. Tsuyoshi Toshimitsu, 2017. "Merger Paradox in a Network Product Market: A Horizontally Differentiated Three-Firm Model," Discussion Paper Series 167, School of Economics, Kwansei Gakuin University, revised Sep 2017.
    8. Yasuhiko Nakamura, 2021. "Price versus quantity in a duopoly with network externalities under active and passive expectations," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 42(1), pages 120-133, January.
    9. Manel Antelo & David Peón, 2021. "The Size of Strategic Alliances and the Role Played by Managers," Journal of Industry, Competition and Trade, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 287-313, June.
    10. Manel Antelo & David Peón, 2019. "On Cooperation Through Alliances and Mergers," Journal of Industry, Competition and Trade, Springer, vol. 19(2), pages 263-279, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Compatibility; Network externality; Fulfilled expectation; Cournot duopoly; Horizontally differentiated product; Network alliance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality

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