12 CompNet Annual Conference
12th CompNet Annual Conference The 12th CompNet Annual Conference , centered around the theme "Firm’s Performance in challenging times: Input costs, Technology, Productivity, and…
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ProdTalks
CompNet ProdTalks CompNet ProdTalks is a monthly recurring 1.5 hour virtual event, two selected papers will be presented including presentation, discussion and Q&A. The top ic…
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CompNet-EBRD Workshop
Localization and Productivity CompNet-EBRD Workshop, October 8-9, 2018, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, London, United Kingdom The workshop of The…
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List of previous speakers
IWH Research Seminar in Economics – List of speakers Aghion, Philippe Adam, Tim Alfaro, Laura Alloza, Mario Alexander, Kern Ambrocio, Gene Auclert, Adrien Bachmann, Rüdiger…
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Path Dependence and QWERTY's Lock-in: Toward a Veblenian Interpretation
John B. Hall, Iciar Dominguez Lacasa, Jutta Günther
Journal of Economic Issues,
Vol. 45 (2),
2011
Abstract
In “Clio and the Economics of QWERTY,“ Paul David challenges an overarching, mainstream assumption that market forces should indeed lead toward efficient and optimal outcomes that include technology selection. David seeks to explain the endurance of technologies that his use of historiography judges inefficient and suboptimal. We challenge David's research, arguing that failure to consider the original institutional economics (OIE) tradition limits his grasp of complex processes to reduced notions of “path dependence“ based upon a “lock-in.“ This inquiry offers an alternative account of QWERTY and technology selection based upon Veblenian thinking, further supported by Paul Dale Bush's emphasis upon the ceremonial.
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