Product variety, competition and economic growth

In this paper, we study the relationship between competition and economic growth using a model of economic development through the creation of new sectors. In our model, competition has both an intra- and an inter-sector component. We find that the best conditions for economic development are achieved when a suitable ratio of inter- to intra-sector competition is achieved. This ratio constitutes a compromise between providing a temporary monopoly to the first entrepreneur (low inter-sector competition) and creating enough imitation to expand the sector (intra-sector competition).