Computing Markov-Perfect Nash Equilibria: Numerical Implications of a Dynamic Differentiated Product Model


Volume: Volume 25, No. 4

Issue: Winter 1994

Pages: pp. 555-589

Authors: Ariel Pakes and Paul McGuire

Title: Computing Markov-Perfect Nash Equilibria: Numerical Implications of a Dynamic Differentiated Product Model

Abstract: In this article we develop and illustrate a simple algorithm for computing Markov-perfect Nash equilibria. The advantage of the Markov-perfect framework is that it is flexible enough to reproduce important aspects of reality in a variety of market settings. As a result, we hope that our article and (perhaps improved) versions of the associated algorithms will eventually be a part of a tool kit that allows researchers to go back and forth between the implications of economic theory and the characteristics of alternative datasets.


JEL Classification:

Market Structure and Pricing: Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection (D430)
Firm Behavior (D210)
Market Structure: Industrial Organization and Corporate Strategy (6110)
Microeconomics Theory of Firm and Industry under Imperfectly Competitive Market Structures (0226)
Managerial Economics (5120)
Microeconomics Theory of Production (0223)