Beyond Replicator Dynamics: Innovation-Selection Dynamics and Optimal Diversity

Karolina Safarzynska and Jeroen van den Bergh

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Abstract: We propose a new evolutionary approach to model technological change based on an extension of replicator dynamics with recombination and mutation. It gives rise to interactive innovation-selection dynamics. The model allows studying the combined effects of selection and variety generation on evolutionary-economic change. The developed framework describes a population of boundedly rational entrepreneurs who decide each period on the allocation of investments in different production technologies. They tend to invest in below-average cost technologies, just as under replicator dynamics. In addition, they spend a constant fraction of investments, captured by mutation and recombination rates, on alternative technologies and research on recombinant innovation. As opposed to most previous studies, mutation and recombination are here conceptual variables with a concrete behavioral interpretation, namely describing the decision rules (heuristics) of investors. We compare the dynamics of shares of investments in various technologies for three cases: with constant costs of capital, with costs decreasing steadily and exogenously over time, and with costs depending on the level of cumulative investments. For each model version, we examine under which conditions the coexistence of technological options is feasible and optimal in terms of minimising the average cost of investments.

Keywords: bounded rationality; induced technological change; investment theory; learning curve; optimal diversity; recombinant innovation; replicator dynamics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011-05-12
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-00989520
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

Published in Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, 2011, 78 (3), pp.229. ⟨10.1016/j.jebo.2011.01.008⟩

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Journal Article: Beyond replicator dynamics: Innovation-selection dynamics and optimal diversity (2011)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00989520

DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2011.01.008

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