Competitive Approximation of a Cournot Market

Abstract

Stimulated by the work of Novshek (1980), this paper concerns the accuracy of the competitive approximation to a Cournot market with free entry. Novshek took a static equilibrium approach to the problem. This paper takes a dynamic stochastic approach, one which allows persistent disequilibrium. It is argued that the alternative approach yields similar results with less effort and, in some senses, with greater generality.