Asymmetric relationship between competition and innovation: Evidence from banks in the Eurozone

This study examines the asymmetric relationship between competition and innovation in Eurozone banking, using data from the original 11 Economic and Monetary Union member states. Employing the technology gap ratio for innovation and the Lerner index and Boone indicator for competition, we find an inverted-U pattern: innovation initially rises with competition but declines beyond a threshold. Granger causality tests confirm bidirectional causality on the upward slope but none on the downward, highlighting nonlinearity. These findings suggest that moderate competition fosters innovation, while excessive rivalry stifles it. Policymakers should balance competition to maximize innovation without undermining long-term technological progress.

Journal of Economic Asymmetries

Journal of Economic Asymmetries

32

1703-4949

N/A

N/A

17