Capital Mobility and Unequal Profit Rates: A Classical Theory of Competition by Boundedly Rational Firms

Abstract

A key concept in the classical economic theory is the long-run equilibrium based on a uniform rate of profit with associated prices of production. This equilibrium is the outcome of an adjustment process: differential profit rates induce capital mobility between markets, which continues until profit rates equalize. Nikaido's (1983) critique initiated a series of papers modeling this process. This paper contributes to the debate by employing an evolutionary-type model with (1) bounded rationality in decision-making, (2) imperfect labor mobility, and (3) structural change in the economy. It finds that the latter two conditions impede a tendency for profit rates to equalize.