We characterize equilibrium and efficient modes of production by comparing nested (vertical) outsourcing with horizontal outsourcing. Nested outsourcing is found to be inefficient unless the cost of monitoring outsourced production lines increases sharply with the number of subcontractors and...

This paper concerns optimal taxation and outsourcing. If the government has a direct instrument for taxing outsourcing, the policy rules for marginal income taxation remain as in the standard model. Otherwise, outsourcing contributes to a more progressive income tax structure.