Fachbereich: Volkswirtschaftslehre
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Why Meso?
On ?Aggregation? vs. ?Emergence? and Why and How the Meso Level is the Aggregate Level Proper in Evolutionary Economics


The paper deals with the question of why and how complex processes
characterized by continuing direct interdependencies may lead to the
emergence of ?structure? at some ?meso? level. Using a simple
?folk-theorem? frame, it is argued that the basic coordination problem
can be solved through the emergence of an institution which in turn
requires the simultaneous formation of the institution?s ?carrier?
group. This co-evolution of a problem-solving emerging ?structure?
(institution) and group formation will typically take place at some
?meso? level, i.e. in mid-sized groups. Neo-Schumpeterian economists
have elaborated recently on this question in terms of innovations of
social rules and the processes of their adoption/diffusion (namely K.
Dopfer, J. Foster and J. Potts). The present paper argues, that this
process has to, and can, be traced back to a defined problem which is to
be solved individually and collectively. It will be argued here that
the meso group must be comprehended both as cause and effect of a
collective problem-solving process. The paper is considered to underpin
the Neo-Schumpeterian argument.


Autor
Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Wolfram Elsner
 
ArtikelFachbereichFachrichtung
2007VolkswirtschaftslehreVolkswirtschaftspolitik
 
Schlagwörter
Co-Evolution, Aggregation, Expectations and Beliefs, Coalition Formation, Folk Theorem, Group Size, Informal Networks, Institutions, Meso Economics, Micro Motives and Macro Behavior, Repeated Prisoners? Dilemma, Structural Emergence