Estimating scale economies in non-convex production models
本文提出一种基于射线平均成本最小化的通用方法，用于在非凸生产模型中估计规模经济，并应用于意大利公共交通行业，探讨可复制性及全局与局部指标的关系。
Abstract The literature on nonparametric frontier technologies lacks a method for the measurement of scale economies in non-convex settings. This paper proposes a general procedure which is based on the minimization of the ray average cost and requires the solution of a single programming problem. Our approach allows for multiple optima to introduce the case of global sub-constant scale economies, and it also permits the estimation of scale economies at a local level. The empirical application investigates the role of replicability and the relationship between global and local indicators. It also points out the managerial implications for companies operating in the Italian public transit industry.