A Geometry of Specialization

Posted: 10 Sep 1998

See all articles by Joseph F. Francois

Joseph F. Francois

University of Bern - Department of Economics; Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); Vienna Institute of International Economic Studies (WIIW); University of Adelaide - School of Economics

Douglas Nelson

Tulane University - Department of Economics

Date Written: March 1998

Abstract

Division of labor models have become a standard analytical tool, along with competitive general equilibrium models (Ricardian, HOS, Ricardo Viner), in public finance, trade, growth, development and macroeconomics. Yet unlike the earlier models, specialization models lack a canonical representation. This is because they are both new and complex, characterized by multiple equilibria, instability and emergent structural properties under parameter transformation. We develop a general framework for such models, illustrating results from current research on specialization models and explaining why one sub-class of these models is particularly difficult to illustrate easily.

JEL Classification: F12, O12, O41

Suggested Citation

Francois, Joseph F and Nelson, Douglas R., A Geometry of Specialization (March 1998). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=106229

Joseph F Francois (Contact Author)

University of Bern - Department of Economics ( email )

Schanzeneckstrasse 1
Bern, CH-3001
Switzerland

Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

London
United Kingdom

Vienna Institute of International Economic Studies (WIIW) ( email )

Oppolzergasse 6
A-1010 Vienna
Austria

University of Adelaide - School of Economics ( email )

Adelaide SA, 5005
Australia
+61 8 8303 5540 (Phone)
+61 8 8223 1460 (Fax)

Douglas R. Nelson

Tulane University - Department of Economics ( email )

New Orleans, LA 70118
United States

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