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The Economics of Platforms in a Walrasian Framework

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Abstract

We present a tractable model of platform competition in a general equilibrium setting. We endogenize the size, number, and type of each platform, while allowing for different user types in utility and impact on platform costs. The economy is Pareto effcient because platforms internalize the network effects of adding more or different types of users by offering type-specific contracts that state both the number and composition of platform users. Using the Walrasian equilibrium concept, the sum of type-specific fees paid cover platform costs. Given the Pareto efficiency of our environment, we argue against the presumption that platforms with externalities need be regulated.

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  • Anil K. Jain & Robert M. Townsend, 2020. "The Economics of Platforms in a Walrasian Framework," International Finance Discussion Papers 1280, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedgif:1280
    DOI: 10.17016/IFDP.2020.1280
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    First and second welfare theorems; two-sided markets; Externalities;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D50 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - General
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities

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