Efficiency analysis in the presence of network effect with DEA method

네트워크 효과를 고려한 천연가스산업의 기술적 효율성 분석

This study takes an issue of efficiency analysis in the presence of network effect utilizing the DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) framework. Network effect has important policy implication for the regulation of local monopolies which undertake their business through physical network, such as electricity, natural gas, local telephony, etc. If the difference in spatial condition between companies is not controlled properly, the performance comparison and associated incentive regulation bear significant bias. In this study, we propose a methodology to measure the true managerial or technical efficiency apart from efficiency difference accruing from the difference in spatial condition. A series of modified DEA efficiency models are combined to investigate the extent of exogenous and endogenous efficiency component in the Korean natural gas distribution companies. Empirical results show that the network effect plays significant role in determining superficial performance difference.