Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/59673 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2010
Series/Report no.: 
Discussion Paper No. 1504
Publisher: 
Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science, Evanston, IL
Abstract: 
I develop a dynamic model of costly private provision of public goods where agents can also invest in cost-reducing technologies. Despite the n+1 stocks in the model, the analysis is tractable and the (Markov perfect) equilibrium unique. The framework is used to derive optimal incomplete contracts in a dynamic setting. If the agents can contract on provision levels, but not on investments, they invest suboptimally little, particularly if the contract is short-term or close to its expiration date. To encourage sufficient investments, the optimal and equilibrium contract is more ambitious if it is short-lasting, and it is tougher to satisfy close to its expiration date. If renegotiation is possible, such a contract implements the first best. The results have important implications for how to design a climate treaty.
Subjects: 
dynamic private provision of public goods
dynamic common-pool problems
dynamic hold-up problems
incomplete contracts
renegotiation design
climate change and climate agreements
JEL: 
D86
H87
Q54
F53
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
278.38 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.