Information Economics and Policy最新文献

{"title":"Complementarities in learning from data: Insights from general search","authors":"Maximilian Schaefer ,&nbsp;Geza Sapi","doi":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101063","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101063","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The ability to make accurate predictions relating to consumer preferences is a key factor of a digital firm's success. Examples include targeted advertisements and, more broadly, business models relying on capturing consumers' attention. The prediction technologies used to learn consumer preferences rely on consumer generated data. Despite the importance of data-driven technologies, there is a lack of knowledge about the precise role that data-scale plays for prediction accuracy. From a policy perspective, a better understanding about the role of data is needed to assess the risks that “big data” might pose for competition. This article highlights potential complementarities between different data dimensions in algorithmic learning. We analyze our hypothesis using search engine data from Yahoo! and provide evidence that more data in the <em>within-user</em> dimension enhances the efficiency of algorithmic learning in the <em>across-user</em> dimension. Our findings suggest that ignoring these complementarities might lead to underestimating scale advantages from data.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":47029,"journal":{"name":"Information Economics and Policy","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101063"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136059410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mobile payments and interoperability: Insights from the academic literature","authors":"Milo Bianchi ,&nbsp;Matthieu Bouvard ,&nbsp;Renato Gomes ,&nbsp;Andrew Rhodes ,&nbsp;Vatsala Shreeti","doi":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101068","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span>We connect various streams of academic literature to analyze how alternative competition and regulatory policies may affect the development of digital financial services, and particularly of mobile payments. Our main objective is to highlight the extent to which existing models, often coming from related </span>industries (such as telecom, payments, and banking) can be applied to study the effects of mobile money interoperability. We focus on four dimensions of interoperability. First, we consider mobile network interoperability (whether clients of one telecom can access another telecom's payment services) in connection with the IO literature on tying. Second, we discuss platform level interoperability (the ability to send money off-network) in light of the literature on compatibility. We also build on the behavioral IO literature to suggest how the effects of interoperability may be very heterogeneous across various types of firms and consumers, or even backfire. Third, we consider interoperability in the cash-in-cash-out agent network, in light of the literature on co-investment in network industries, and of more specific studies on ATMs' interoperability. Fourth, we discuss how the literature in banking and on data ownership can be used to understand interoperability of data. We conclude with some broader remarks on policy implications and on possible directions for future research.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":47029,"journal":{"name":"Information Economics and Policy","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101068"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138474986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Network infrastructure construction and heterogeneous enterprise innovation quasi-natural experiment based on “Broadband China”","authors":"Zhizhong liu,&nbsp;Bin Ju","doi":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101066","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101066","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Based on the technology choice model proposed by Bustos (2011) and the infrastructure spillover model developed by Dugga (1999), this paper aims to explore the multifaceted effects of network infrastructure construction on both radical and incremental enterprise innovation, while considering the micro perspective of enterprise and industry heterogeneity. The findings of this study uncover the following significant insights: (1) The implementation of network infrastructure construction exerts a substantial positive impact on both radical and incremental innovation within enterprises, affirming its crucial role in fostering innovation capabilities; (2) In the context of firm heterogeneity, the impact of network infrastructure construction on fostering radical and incremental innovation is particularly pronounced among medium-sized and large-scale enterprises, as well as state-owned enterprises; (3) Network infrastructure construction stimulates radical innovation primarily among local enterprises, whereas export-oriented enterprises tend to benefit more from incremental innovation; (4) When considering industry heterogeneity, the analysis demonstrates that network infrastructure construction fosters radical innovation in industries characterized by high concentration, intense competition, and advanced technology. On the other hand, in industries with low concentration and limited competition, network infrastructure construction tends to facilitate incremental innovation within enterprises. (5) Moreover, the study finds that the impact of network infrastructure construction on enterprise innovation is mediated by talent structure and financing constraints. These factors serve as crucial conduits through which network infrastructure construction facilitates both radical and incremental innovation. Furthermore, the paper acknowledges that the digital transformation of enterprises partially regulates these channels. Overall, this research offers valuable insights for enterprises in developing countries aiming to strengthen various forms of innovation in the digital era.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":47029,"journal":{"name":"Information Economics and Policy","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101066"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135455796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pay-for-delay settlements and patent expansion practices","authors":"Anton-Giulio Manganelli","doi":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Pay-for-delay (reverse payments) settlements and patent expansion practices (PEP), such as preemptive patenting, product hopping and evergreening, have been criticized for their potential anticompetitive effects. This paper shows that reverse payments and PEP are strategic substitutes and, when the information over the patents’ strength is asymmetric and patents’ strength is endogenous, a ban on reverse payments may reduce consumer surplus. This effect is stronger the more generic competition reduces industry profits. When the cost of using PEP is sufficiently high, a ban on reverse payments is optimal, otherwise it is optimal to allow reverse payments at the minimal level consistent with the originator not engaging in PEP. Results are qualitatively robust to allowing PEP to increase patent quality and consumer surplus.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":47029,"journal":{"name":"Information Economics and Policy","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101044"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45326600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Incentivising ‘pirates’ to pay – An experiment with comic book readers","authors":"Satia Rożynek ,&nbsp;Wojciech Hardy","doi":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101045","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101045","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Internet piracy has been repeatedly shown to displace the authorised consumption of digital content. However, fewer studies tried to identify a viable solution and even less tried to convert the ‘pirates’ into paying consumers. We conducted a three-wave panel survey among comic book readers, asking about their consumption from various sources. After each wave, a random subsample was provided with prizes in the form of digital comic books from a legal provider. We analyse the effects of prizes on further consumption behaviour. The first prizing scheme incentivised setting up an account, installing a reader app and familiarising oneself with the catalogue of the dominant digital seller of comics. The second scheme aimed at hooking consumers on particular comic book series. However, we only find small evidence of a change in the consumption patterns or the willingness to pay for digital formats. We suggest that for the case of comic books, the prices of lower-valued digital copies might deter purchase. Furthermore, we discuss the use of similar research design for other creative content.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":47029,"journal":{"name":"Information Economics and Policy","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101045"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48215203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can data openness unlock competition when an incumbent has exclusive data access for personalized pricing?","authors":"Rosa-Branca Esteves ,&nbsp;Francisco Carballo-Cruz","doi":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101046","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This paper examines how an incumbent firm's data investment decisions can impact market structure and competition. In markets with sufficiently low entry costs, using exclusive data for personalized pricing (PP) does not raise any barrier to entry. However, in markets with intermediate entry costs, the risk of competition and consumer harm is significant. Policy intervention is needed to foster competition. The effectiveness of an information-sharing policy depends on whether the incumbent anticipates it. Mandatory information sharing can only promote entry in markets with intermediate to high entry costs if the incumbent does not foresee its imposition. If the incumbent foresees this policy, it will strategically reduce its data acquisition to deter entry, by serving fewer consumers in the early period. This will cause significant harm to consumers and overall welfare. In markets with sufficiently low intermediate entry costs, information-sharing obligations can effectively foster competition and benefit consumers, regardless of the incumbent's anticipation. A ban on price personalization practices could be a better policy option to promote competition, especially in markets with high entry costs or where mandatory information sharing is not effective due to the incumbent strategic behavior.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":47029,"journal":{"name":"Information Economics and Policy","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101046"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41532985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A model of endogenous targeting in duopoly","authors":"Christian Siemering","doi":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span>The paper investigates welfare effects of targeted advertising in a duopoly. To this end, a game-theoretical model is proposed in which firms can make costly investments in their targeting technology. It can be shown that ex ante identical firms use different technologies in every pure-strategy equilibrium of the technology game. If firms target the same group of consumers, the low-technology firm could increase overall welfare by using a better technology. However, this leads to lower </span>industry profits due to tougher competition among firms.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":47029,"journal":{"name":"Information Economics and Policy","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101047"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41835227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determinants of fixed and mobile broadband demand in Mexico using discrete choice exercises and logit and conditional logit models","authors":"Agustin J. Ros","doi":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101048","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101048","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>We utilize stated preference data from discrete choice exercises administered to 15,000 households and individuals in Mexico and estimate logit and conditional logit models to identify determinants of fixed and mobile broadband demand. We find that the service attribute most consistently important for broadband demand, apart from price, was service reliability and find that urban customers are willing to pay more for reliable fixed broadband service, but rural customers are willing to pay more for reliable mobile broadband service. We find evidence that rural customers are more price sensitive compared to urban customers for mobile broadband but not for fixed broadband. We find evidence that fixed and mobile broadband services are complements and that speaking an indigenous language results in a higher likelihood of subscription for both fixed and mobile broadband as does greater daily internet usage. We do not find evidence that equipment subsidies are associated with greater likelihood of subscription.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":47029,"journal":{"name":"Information Economics and Policy","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101048"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43667759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Platform Competition and Incumbency Advantage under Heterogeneous Lock-in effects","authors":"Emanuele Giovannetti ,&nbsp;Paolo Siciliani","doi":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Digital platform markets perform a myriad of daily transactions, providing internet-mediated exchange possibilities: between consumers, for peer-to-peer exchanges; between businesses, for digital value chains; and between businesses and consumers, in digital marketplaces. It is essential for competition that new entrants are able to join platform markets. However, these markets are often characterised by proprietary innovations, especially in data analytics applied to existing user data. The algorithmic analysis of user data and information might increase incumbency advantages, creating lock-in effects among users and making them more reluctant to join an entrant platform. The individual costs of these lock-in effects may differ between the sides of a platform, e.g., between sellers and buyers, and across users within each side, e.g., between sellers with different costs and/or propensities to join an entrant platform. Moreover, these costs will interact with cross-group network effects, another well-studied source of incumbency advantage. This paper develops a model exploring how different levels of lock-in effects may favour an incumbent platform. The conditions for platforms’ coexistence, to avoid market tipping, require lock-in effects to be \"stronger\" than cross-group effects. However, this condition also provides a market advantage to the incumbent platform compared to the entrant's. Therefore, policies aimed at reducing lock-in effects, such as mandating data portability, may counterintuitively impair entry conditions as the incumbent sets its prices more aggressively with lower lock-in effects.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":47029,"journal":{"name":"Information Economics and Policy","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101031"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41705454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Social R&D: Does academic freedom contribute to improved societal outcomes?","authors":"Alberto Posso ,&nbsp;Quanda Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infoecopol.2023.101030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The economics literature views R&amp;D as an important conduit for growth because it generates new ideas that can be translated into technological innovations. Some of this R&amp;D occurs in universities, making academic freedom an important part of this process. This literature ignores the potential role that academic research in the social sciences plays toward achieving non-commercial societal outcomes. We bridge this gap by proposing that academia generates social R&amp;D. We posit that greater degrees of academic freedom allow for social R&amp;D to flourish and be transformed into policies that improve societal conditions. We test our hypothesis by studying the relationship between academic freedom and inequality using panel data of 132 countries over the 1967–2018 period. We measure academic freedom using an index developed by the V-Dem Institute. Our econometric analysis suggests that an increase in the index is associated with a decrease in inequality. We employ instrumental variable and interactive fixed effects techniques to try to lend support to the causal relationship between academic freedom and inequality. We argue that this negative relationship can be explained by academia, predominantly the social sciences, exerting pressure on governments to enact policies that redistribute wealth. We find evidence in support of this mechanism using data from other sources.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":47029,"journal":{"name":"Information Economics and Policy","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101030"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42313216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}