Trigger-point mechanism and conditional commitment : implications for entry, collusion, and welfare

Larry D. QIU, Kwok Hon, Leonard CHENG, Michael K. FUNG

Research output: Journal Publications › Journal Article (refereed) › Research › peer-review

Abstract

When fixed, sunk investment costs are high, firms may not have sufficient incentive to enter the market unless future entry is constrained. In this case, the government faces a dilemma between a full commitment and noncommitment of restricted future entry. A way out is to consider a commitment conditional on the realization of the uncertain parameters, such as the trigger-point mechanism (TPM) that sets conditions on current production level, excess capacity, and demand growth under which future entry will be allowed. This article shows that the TPM facilitates the incumbents’ collusion but may improve social welfare under certain circumstances.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)156-169
Number of pages14
JournalContemporary Economic Policy
Volume25
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2007
Externally publishedYes

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welfare
commitment
social welfare
incentive
firm
demand
market
costs
Collusion
Trigger
Excess capacity
Incentives
Social welfare
Incumbents
Excess demand
Government
Costs

Cite this

QIU, Larry D. ; CHENG, Kwok Hon, Leonard ; FUNG, Michael K. / Trigger-point mechanism and conditional commitment : implications for entry, collusion, and welfare. In: Contemporary Economic Policy. 2007 ; Vol. 25, No. 2. pp. 156-169.
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QIU, LD, CHENG, KHL & FUNG, MK 2007, 'Trigger-point mechanism and conditional commitment : implications for entry, collusion, and welfare', Contemporary Economic Policy, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 156-169. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1465-7287.2006.00028.x

Trigger-point mechanism and conditional commitment : implications for entry, collusion, and welfare. / QIU, Larry D.; CHENG, Kwok Hon, Leonard; FUNG, Michael K.

In: Contemporary Economic Policy, Vol. 25, No. 2, 01.04.2007, p. 156-169.

Research output: Journal Publications › Journal Article (refereed) › Research › peer-review

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QIU LD, CHENG KHL, FUNG MK. Trigger-point mechanism and conditional commitment : implications for entry, collusion, and welfare. Contemporary Economic Policy. 2007 Apr 1;25(2):156-169. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1465-7287.2006.00028.x

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