A game-theoretic approach to solve the free-rider problem

In this paper, we suggest a game-theoretic approach to alleviate the free-rider problem. In this approach, we model the free-rider problem as a constrained single objective optimization problem. We formally prove that in our proposed model, the free-rider problem can be solved completely. Moreover, we validate our proposed model using a meta heuristic algorithm — artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm. To ensure the constraint is satisfied, we perform the experimental study using ABC algorithm. The experimental results are consistent with those obtained theoretically.