Incentive Asymmetry between Early and Late Comers in Adopting Flexible Mass Production: A Spatial Model

Working Paper Series No. 63

Posted: 24 Aug 1998

See all articles by Shuhe Li

Shuhe Li

City University of Hong Kong (CityU) - Department of Economics & Finance

Yijiang Wang

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - Carlson School of Management

Abstract

Flexible mass production (FMP) is specified in terms of the cost of switching fixed inputs to produce differentiated products. Incorporating this concept into a model of spatial competition, we show that, while the late comers may need FMP technology to enter an established market, for the early comers not adopting FMP can be the equilibrium in a noncooperative game of spatial competition. Entry threat may or may not adequately change the incumbents' incentive structure to induce them to adopt FMP. The paper sheds light on questions like why it was the Japanese, not Detroit, who first adopted FMP. The welfare implications of entry are also studied.

JEL Classification: D24

Suggested Citation

Li, Shuhe and Wang, Yijiang, Incentive Asymmetry between Early and Late Comers in Adopting Flexible Mass Production: A Spatial Model. Working Paper Series No. 63, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=6736

Shuhe Li (Contact Author)

City University of Hong Kong (CityU) - Department of Economics & Finance ( email )

83 Tat Chee Avenue
Kowloon
Hong Kong
+11 852-278-87298 (Phone)
+11 852-278-88806 (Fax)

Yijiang Wang

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - Carlson School of Management ( email )

321 19th Avenue South
Industrial Relations Center
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States
612-624-6814 (Phone)
612-624-8360 (Fax)

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