This paper evaluates the effects of liberalizing access to the space sector, as currently envisaged by the EC Commission. We undertake an econometric evaluation of the degree of scale economies in satellite operations and calibrate a Cournot model of competition in which the effect of...

This Paper investigates whether the efficiency effect of product market dispersion is a function of the infrastructural and policy environment. We hypothesise that more developed transportation and communication infrastructure and lower government regulation may reduce transaction costs,...

Using a new data set of the telecommunications sector on privatization (1981-98 for 167 countries) and competition policies (1990-98 for roughly 50 countries), this Paper investigates the political economy determinants of privatization and liberalization in the telecommunications sector....

Harris R. and Robinson C. (2005) Impact of Regional Selective Assistance on sources of productivity growth: plant-level evidence from UK manufacturing, 1990-98, Regional Studies 39 , 751-765. Regional policy has been an enduring aspect of post-war industrial policy in the UK, based on a...

Liberalization of public utilities, especially the electricity sector, in developing countries is a significant trend. In addition, some developing countries are in the process of developing a regulatory framework for the liberalized sector. These countries are facing the core issue of how to...

This paper compares two possible State interventions in a market where a vertical differentiable good is produced: minimum quality standards (MQS) and mixed competition. In the analysis of MQS I consider an endogenous standard, given by the maximization of the Social Welfare, and the possibility...

Promoting competition among electricity producers is primarily targeted at ensuring fair electricity prices for consumers. Producers could, however, withhold part of production facilities (i.e., apply a capacity cutting strategy) and thereby push more expensive production facilities to satisfy...

We estimate the standard costs in the Italian local bus transport system by means of a top down approach. Commercial speed results the most important cost driver, while economies of scale are low and only present in the case of small transport operators. Medium sized and large operators exhibit...

The so-called buffer time or buffer delay allows airlines to control for excessive delays by introducing extra time in their schedule in addition to what is technically required. . We study the differences between unregulated markets - where airlines are free to fix their buffer times...

The paper investigates the effects of corruption in the entry-certifying process on market structure and social welfare for a Cournot industry with linear demand and costs. To gain entry, a firm must pay a bribe-maximizing official a fixed percentage of anticipated profit, in addition to the...