Vertical equilibrium in a competitive input market

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Imperfect competition, imperfect information, disequilibrium, and rationing all induce vertical integration in relatively straightforward ways. But can vertical integration arise when firms are competitive and markets clear rapidly? This paper demonstrates that a vertical equilibrium can be generated when the intermediate market is subject to external fluctuations and when there are economies of coordination for firms which avoid the market via integration. The vertical equilibrium is one in which some firms will be integrated while some will not, despite the fact that all firms are identical. Thus, one need not conclude that differential degrees of integration within industries are the result of differing circumstances among firms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)159-170
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Industrial Organization
Volume2
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1984
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous)
  • Industrial relations
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Strategy and Management

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