What Should Policy Makers Know When Economists Say 'Market' Failure?

Ross, Justin

Abstract

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What Should Policy Makers Know When Economists Say 'Market' Failure?

Justin M. Ross

Indiana University - School of Public & Environmental Affairs

March 1, 2009

Georgetown Public Policy Review, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 27-32, 2009

Abstract:
Two of the most recognized and discussed “market” failures in public policy exist when spillover effects on third parties exist to market transactions, and when individuals can enjoy the benefit of a good or service without paying for its provision. In this essay I illustrate these forms of market failures are actually institutional failures to adequately assign property rights. Recognizing this and framing them as a problem of property rights has helped economists and policy makers discover various innovative solutions that were previously overlooked. Policy makers who similarly frame these difficult problems as such, may themselves contribute to the ever expanding domain of new solutions.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 7

Keywords: Market Failure, Property Rights

JEL Classification: A29, H41, H23

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Date posted: December 15, 2010

Suggested Citation

Ross, Justin M., What Should Policy Makers Know When Economists Say 'Market' Failure? (March 1, 2009). Georgetown Public Policy Review, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 27-32, 2009. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1724638

Contact Information

Justin M. Ross (Contact Author)

Indiana University - School of Public & Environmental Affairs ( email )

1315 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
United States