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The Property Rights Theory of Production Networks

Author

Listed:
  • Balbuzanov, Ivan

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Kotowski, Maciej

    (Harvard Kennedy School)

Abstract

This paper investigates the formation of production and trading networks in an economy with general interdependencies and complex property rights. The right to exclude, a core tenet of property, grants asset owners a form of monopoly power that influences granular economic interactions. Equilibrium networks reflect the distribution of these ownership claims. Inefficient production networks may endure in equilibrium as firms multi-source to mitigate hold-up risk. Short supply chains also reduce this risk, but may preclude the production of complex goods. A generalized Top Trading Cycles algorithm, applicable to a production economy, identifies equilibrium outcomes in the model. Such outcomes can be decentralized via a price system.

Suggested Citation

  • Balbuzanov, Ivan & Kotowski, Maciej, 2019. "The Property Rights Theory of Production Networks," Working Paper Series rwp19-033, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:harjfk:rwp19-033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C71 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Cooperative Games
    • D51 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - Exchange and Production Economies
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation

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