We consider a three-level supply chain where a monopolistic seller distributes its product both directly through its own distribution channel and indirectly through platforms accessed by intermediaries competing for final consumers. In this setting, we examine the welfare effects of platform...

An ecosystem comprises all downstream products that employ a certain upstream input. Consumers make irreversible investments to join an ecosystem before downstream prices are set. By committing to buy products that use the specific ecosystem input, they are at risk of being held-up. Unable to...

In this paper we focus on the data collection activities of social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We use choice modelling (mixed logit) techniques on a recent and rich sample of German social network users to assess and quantify their willingness to accept (WTA) the use of...

We study the competitive and welfare effects of wholesale price-parity agreements. These contracts prevent a monopolist, who sells its product to final consumers both directly and indirectly through alternative distribution channels, to charge different input (wholesale) prices to competing...