Document Type
Discussion Paper
Publication Date
3-3-2015
CFDP Number
1988R
CFDP Revision Date
08/11/2020
CFDP Pages
53
Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) Code(s)
D81, D83, O33
Abstract
We build a model studying the effect of an economy’s potential for social learning on the adoption of innovations of uncertain quality. Provided consumers are forward-looking (i.e., recognize the value of waiting for information), we show how quantitative and qualitative features of the learning environment affect observed adoption dynamics, welfare, and the speed of learning. Our analysis has two main implications. First, we identify environments that are subject to a “saturation effect,” whereby increased opportunities for social learning can slow down adoption and learning and do not increase consumer welfare, possibly even being harmful. Second, we show how differences in the learning environment translate into observable differences in adoption dynamics, suggesting a purely informational channel for two commonly documented adoption patterns—S-shaped and concave curves.
Recommended Citation
Frick, Mira and Ishii, Yuhta, "Innovation Adoption by Forward-Looking Social Learners" (2015). Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers. 2561.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/cowles-discussion-paper-series/2561