The Learning Curve and Competition

Abstract

This article develops a model of competitive interaction and industry evolution in the presence of a learning curve. The learning curve is a function relating the unit costs of the individual firm to accumulated volume. The responses of the model to shifts in parameters are explored through calculated examples. The paper also used a two-period model to explore differences between open and closed-loop equilibria, and to assess the impact of learning spillover effects from one firm to the next.