Overview

This book contends that various forms of regulation have costs as well as benefits and it examines the impact of government regulation on the innovativeness of ’monopolies’ - in this book meaning firms with the power to affect market price. The government regulation analyzed in this case is limited to rate-of-return regulation. Using theoretical models such as the Averch-Johnson model and a two-stage Nash equilibrium model, this volume examines whether regulated monopolies engage in more or less technological innovation than unregulated monopolies. Furthermore, if the unregulated (or less regulated) monopolies do engage in more research and development than regulated ones, it questions whether social welfare would be greater with the former. Using a case study of ten privately-owned electric utilities in the State of Texas, USA, it then tests out the general propositions brought forward by the theoretical modelling and finally makes its conclusions taking into consideration both theoretical and empirical findings.

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9781138263857

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Reviews

'This book will be of interest to anyone concerned with technological change and/or the impact of public policy on growth...In addition to its application to rate-of-return regulation, the reader will find this book suggestive for further research into the impact upon technological change of other forms of regulation.' Professor Barry J. Seldon, University of Texas, USA 'This book has provided a thorough overview and interesting extension of the impact of government regulation on innovativeness.' Review of Industrial Organisation

Author Information

Mark W. Frank, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA

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