On Cooperation

McDermott, Thomas

doi:10.2139/ssrn.2016885

Abstract

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On Cooperation

Thomas K. J. McDermott

London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) - Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment

September 6, 2011

Abstract:
In this essay I discuss the role of cooperation in the process of innovation. I argue for a reorientation of the way we conceptualize economic behavior, taking account of the centrality of cooperation as a driving force of economic dynamism. I also seek to distinguish between different forms of cooperation - 'negative' cooperation, based on coercion and survival needs, as distinct from 'positive' cooperation, which facilitates creativity, self-expression and ultimately innovation.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 11

Keywords: cooperation, competition, evolution, economic dynamism, innovation

JEL Classification: A13, B12, B52, O31, P10, P16

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Date posted: March 6, 2012

Suggested Citation

McDermott, Thomas K. J., On Cooperation (September 6, 2011). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2016885 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2016885

Contact Information

Thomas K. J. McDermott (Contact Author)

London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) - Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment ( email )

Houghton Street
London, WC2A 2AE
Great Britain