Outsourcing versus vertical integration: Ethier-Markusen meets the property-rights approach

Abstract

Early analyses of direct investment versus outsourcing focused on the existence of knowledge-based assets, knowledge being non-rivaled and non-excludable. Ethier was the first to formally model the consequences of non-excludability for the vertical integration versus outsourcing decision. Later authors took a different approach, modeling physical capital as fully excludable but relationship-specific. This paper further develops a model with both non-excludable knowledge capital and fully excludable physical capital. Results show that vertical integration tends to be chosen when (a) the technology is relatively knowledge intensive and/or when (b) knowledge and physical capital are strong complements. © IAET.