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Major Research Subjects of Kidokoro, Y. (1999-) Associate Professor
Further information is available at http://www.csis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/~kidokoro/index-e.html
- Cost-benefit Analysis for Networks
I developed a benefit estimation method, which explicitly takes
networks into account. A theoretical model shows that for any
networks, however complex they may be, the benefits of various
policies can be calculated as the sum of the change in consumer
surplus regarding network services through the node at which the
policies are implemented, and a change in the net congestion externality
regarding network services through the nodes at which the net
congestion externality changes. I illustrated the results with
examples, which point out typical misunderstandings in benefit
estimation for a project with networks, such as transportation
improvements.
- Economics Impacts of Information Network on Economy
Using a simple general equilibrium model with an endogenously
evolving communications network, I demonstrated the basic characteristics
of a network-based economy. I characterized the market equilibrium
and the first-best outcome in terms of the price of the communications
service, the private burden of the cost of the education required
to use the communications network, network size, wages, firm size,
and the number of firms. I also demonstrated the effects of various
policies, such as regulating the price of the communications service
and providing subsidies for education and to firms, and evaluate
the net benefits of these policies.
- Regulatory Policies for Urban Railways
Using a spatial model with a railway line in which the congestion
rate, defined as the ratio of the number of commuters to a railway's
nominal capacity, is explicitly included, I numerically simulated
the impacts of railway regulation reform in Japan. I showed that
while the regulatory shift from rate-of-return regulation to price-cap
regulation makes railway firms operate efficiently, it substantially
shrinks railway capacity and lowers social welfare. I then considered
modified versions of price-cap regulation, which are consistent
with relief of congestion.
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