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Equilibrium Reforms and Endogenous Complexity

Author

Listed:
  • Morelli, Massimo
  • Foarta, Dana
Abstract
Decision makers called to evaluate and approve a reform, proposed by an interest group, a politician, or a bureaucracy, suffer from a double asymmetric information problem: about the competence of the proposer and the consequences of the proposal. Moreover, the ability of decision makers to evaluate proposals depends on the complexity of the legislative environment, itself a product of past reforms. We model the strategic interaction between reformers and decision makers as a function of legislative complexity, and study the dynamics of endogenous complexity and stability of reforms. Complexi cation-simpli cation cycles can occur on the equilibrium path, and expected long-run complexity may be higher when competence of reform proposers is lower. The results apply to regulatory reforms, legislative politics, and institutional design.

Suggested Citation

  • Morelli, Massimo & Foarta, Dana, 2020. "Equilibrium Reforms and Endogenous Complexity," CEPR Discussion Papers 15136, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:15136
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vladimir Asriyan & Dana Foarta & Victoria Vanasco, 2023. "The Good, the Bad, and the Complex: Product Design with Imperfect Information," American Economic Journal: Microeconomics, American Economic Association, vol. 15(2), pages 187-226, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ash, Elliott & Morelli, Massimo & Vannoni, Matia, 2022. "More Laws, More Growth? Evidence from U.S. States," CEPR Discussion Papers 15629, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    2. Liqun Liu, 2021. "The Politics of (No) Compromise: Information Acquisition, Policy Discretion, and Reputation," Papers 2111.00522, arXiv.org, revised Apr 2023.
    3. Feng, Zhiyuan & Li, Yali, 2024. "Natural resource curse and fiscal decentralization: Exploring the mediating role of green innovations and market regulations in G-20 economies," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Information; Regulatory complexity; Competence; Interest groups; Politicians; Bureaucracy; Checks and balances; Incremental reforms;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • H83 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Public Administration
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation

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