Quality Competition in Markets with Regulated Prices and Minimum Quality Standards
31 Pages Posted: 4 Mar 2013
Date Written: March 4, 2013
Abstract
We study the equilibrium and its stability property in a duopoly market in which minimum quality standards (MQS) are set, prices are regulated with links to product quality, and firms compete in quality. The adjustment dynamics are taken into account. We focus on the role that MQS play, in affecting equilibrium allocations and the system dynamic properties. In particular, we show that chaotic dynamics may emerge, precisely due to MQS; under specific circumstances, MQS are responsible for the outcome of maximal differenciation in product qualities across providers.
Keywords: Oligopoly, Quality competition, Minimum quality standard
JEL Classification: C73, H42, I18, L13
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