Capacity precommitment as a barrier to entry: A Bertrand-Edgeworth approach

B-Tier
Journal: Economic Theory
Year: 2000
Volume: 15
Issue: 3
Pages: 501-530

Authors (4)

Dan Kovenock (Chapman University) Raymond Deneckere (not in RePEc) Tom Faith (not in RePEc) Beth Allen (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.503 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

With few exceptions, the literature on the role of capacity as a strategic entry deterrent has assumed Cournot competition in the post-entry game. In contrast, this paper studies a model in which the incumbent and entrant sequentially precommit to capacity levels before competing in price. Interesting deterrence effects arise because firms need time to build, that is, cannot adjust capacity instantaneously in the post-entry game. This approach produces a simple and intuitive set of equilibrium behaviors and generates clear predictions about when these different outcomes are likely to arise. Our model also departs substantially from the existing literature in concluding that sunkness of capacity costs is neither necessary nor sufficient for capacity to have precommitment value.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:spr:joecth:v:15:y:2000:i:3:p:501-530
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-25