Abstract
This paper introduces technological uncertainty into a timing game of new technology adoption. It is shown that the timing neither necessarily involves first-mover advantages in precommitment equilibria (Reinganum, Review of Economic Studies, XLVIII (1981) 395–405) nor rent-equalization due to the threat of preemption (Fudenberg and Tirole, Review of Economic Studies, LII (1985) 383–401). Rather, there may be second-mover advantages because of informational spillovers. Furthermore, the model predicts that the equilibrium payoffs will typically be discontinuous and non-monotonic in the probability that the new technology is profitable. A welfare analysis reveals several market failures, and suggests that policy intervention should adequately depend on the nature of uncertainty and the rate of technological progress.
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