Network Industries: Economic Aspects of Compatibility, Technology Licensing and R

Network industries are characterised by existence of positive consumption externalities, referred to as network externalities. This book deals with the economic aspects of some technological issues in industries that exhibit network externalities. The work particularly focuses on markets for systems. A collection of two or more components that work only when used together forms a system. Systems exhibit network externality, which arises due to the complementarities between the components. Firms doing business in the markets for systems behave strategically while deciding on compatibility between competing products and / or technologies. Adoption of technology or investment in R&D may also be a strategic decision. While addressing three different issues, the author analyses the implications of such strategic behaviour. The analysis is game theoretic. Researchers and scholars of Network Economics, Microeconomics, Business Economics, Industrial Organization Theory and Strategy will find the work useful.