Citation

Discussion Paper Details

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Full Details

Title: Using and Abusing Economic Theory

Author(s): Paul Klemperer

Publication Date: March 2003

Keyword(s): 3g, auction theory, auctions, bidding, economic theory, methodology, mobile-phones, spectrum auctions, telecommunications and umts

Programme Area(s): Industrial Organization and Public Economics

Abstract: Economic theory is often abused in practical policy-making. There is frequently excessive focus on sophisticated theory at the expense of elementary theory; too much economic knowledge can sometimes be a dangerous thing. Too little attention is paid to the wider economic context, and to the dangers posed by political pressures. Superficially trivial distinctions between policy proposals may be economically significant, while economically irrelevant distinctions may be politically important. I illustrate with some disastrous government auctions, but also show the value of economic theory.

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Bibliographic Reference

Klemperer, P. 2003. 'Using and Abusing Economic Theory'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=3813