An overview of laboratory research on conservation auctions

Abstract

This paper reviews the laboratory research on conservation auctions by first suggesting a framework for organizing the literature; then by highlighting the key insights and contributions achieved to date; and thirdly by taking stock of pending questions and unresolved problems. The review framework focuses on the performance of conservation auctions and distinguishes between causal factors and resulting effects. Causal factors include auction format, implementation rules and bidder characteristics, as well as some other aspects. Resulting effects distinguish between intermediate effects, mainly in terms of bidder behaviour, and final auction performance. Rather than a standard literature review, this ‘overview’ also tries to capture the work that is currently going on and that has not yet been published.