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Investigating the Strategic Nature of Supply Functions in Oligopoly

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  • F. Delbono
  • L. Lambertini

Abstract

We show that supply functions cannot be classified as either strategic complements or substitutes according to the twofold criterion advanced by Bulow et al. (1985). This is because while the slope of the best reply is univocally positive, this is not the case with the sign of the cross derivative of marginal profit. We first show this discrepancy in the original Klemperer and Meyer (1989) setting, and then in a linear-quadratic model of differentiated duopoly. We further confirm and strengthen our result by proving that the game in supply functions is neither supermodular nor submodular.

Suggested Citation

  • F. Delbono & L. Lambertini, 2015. "Investigating the Strategic Nature of Supply Functions in Oligopoly," Working Papers wp1011, Dipartimento Scienze Economiche, Universita' di Bologna.
    • Handle: RePEc:bol:bodewp:wp1011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jean Tirole, 1988. "The Theory of Industrial Organization," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262200716, December.
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    6. Amir, Rabah, 1996. "Cournot Oligopoly and the Theory of Supermodular Games," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 15(2), pages 132-148, August.
    7. Bulow, Jeremy I & Geanakoplos, John D & Klemperer, Paul D, 1985. "Multimarket Oligopoly: Strategic Substitutes and Complements," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 93(3), pages 488-511, June.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets

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