Oligopoly networks shape market power and profits in unexpected ways.
Firms in oligopolies can benefit by forming connections with each other before competing in the market. The type of competition (Cournot or Bertrand) influences the structure of these networks. In Cournot oligopoly, firms either share externalities with all others or none at all. In Bertrand oligopoly, one firm gains benefits from all others while the rest receive no benefits. The type of competition determines the architecture of socially efficient networks.