Simultaneous competitor and customer diffusion: a market growth model based on market space and competition

Abstract

This paper addresses the interaction between competitive dynamics and market evolution. Specifically, it focuses on the development of the market of a new product, in terms of customer adoption as well as competitive entry. The objective of this paper is to develop a model for the growth stage of a new market that addresses the supplier and customer diffusion process and the interaction between them. The contribution of our approach is threefold: (i) the development of a competitor diffusion model, (ii) the combination of a competitor diffusion model with a customer diffusion model, recognizing the interplay between competitive entry and market-level diffusion, and (iii) the recognition that competitive entry effects in the diffusion model are endogenous, resulting from the entry decisions of firms.