Social networks play a crucial role in developing economies. One of their most important functions is facilitating the flow of information, particularly about the efficacy of new technologies. This dissertation explores three aspects of this research agenda. First, I study how economists can estimate the structure of a social network of interest using alternative, and more cost-effective, survey instruments. Second, I study why social networks are disproportionately influential at inducing technology adoption, given the limited experience of an individual's peers. I address this phenomenon by introducing a mechanism I call context uncertainty. After demonstrating the empirical validity of this phenomenon, I conclude by discussing its implication for policymakers promoting the adoption of new technologies.

Creator

• Alidaee, Hossein

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/n2-cryq-5d23

Subject

• Agriculture economics
• Information science
• Economics

Language

• en

Alternate Identifier

• etdadmin_upload_986939
• http://dissertations.umi.com/northwestern:16610

Keyword

• uncertainty
• social networks
• risk aversion
• penalized regression
• technology adoption

Date created

• 2023-01-01

Resource type

• Dissertation

Rights statement

• In Copyright