Estimation of systems of equations subject to curvature constraints

Abstract

Two computationally manageable estimation procedures for maintaining curvature constraints are compared. Using an efficient nonlinear optimizing algorithm, the well-known Cholesky factorization is compared with the eigenvalue decomposition method for estimating a system of input demand and output supply equations. Statistical tests are provided. The Cholesky factorization is superior when efficient optimizers are used. The eigenvalue decomposition may become a better choice when the user is limited to less efficient algorithms.