In this paper we model the development of consumption when there are interactions between consumers. The consumer recognizes three reference groups: peer, distinction, and aspiration. The interplay of aspiration and distinction can lead to `waves' in consumption; for example, the avant-garde...

The aim of this paper is to study emergent patterns of demand when there are social interactions between different consumers. Specially, our concern is with the case in which consumers' preferences are influenced by the consumption behaviour of others.

Over the twentieth century universities in the industrialized world have evolved from being "universities of culture" to "universities of innovation." Policy makers and universities themselves see that one of their major roles is supporting industrial innovation and thus economic growth. We...

This paper models an economy in which a large number of agents are choosing among several technologies. There is a single, global, market for the technologies but they are subject to localized network externalities in use. We examine the issue of technological standardization, and the...

Empirical analyses of research and development find strong evidence that these activities tend to cluster geographically. Clusters are thought to emerge from the presence of localized positive externalities. This paper presents a model of this clustering behaviour. We find that phase changes in...