Did you know about game theory and the nash equilibrium?: why McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC Are Neighbors?

(By Maurizio and Otero) In the fierce world of business, strategic location can often be the game-changer for success. Enter Game Theory and the concept of Nash Equilibrium, powerful tools shedding light on the dynamics of competition and decision-making behind the clustering of businesses in cities like Miami.

Creating Competition Hubs: Shaping the Landscape

Ever wondered why competition hubs have the power to reshape a place's identity? Why do many countries miss the vital role of generating clusters for development? How does the creation of large-scale areas, like Miami, impact the macroeconomy?

Quick Explanation:

  • Game Theory, pioneered by mathematicians like John von Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern, dives into optimal strategies in scenarios where one person's choices affect others'. In the context of competition clustering, this theory becomes supremely relevant. Businesses must consider not just their own choices, but also how these choices influence their competitors' strategies.

  • A pivotal concept in Game Theory is the Nash Equilibrium. Proposed by mathematician John Nash, this concept depicts a situation where no player has an incentive to alter their strategy, given they know their opponents' strategies. Applied to the clustering of competition, this implies that if several businesses opt for a location near their competitors, it's unlikely any would decide to move since none would gain a substantial advantage by doing so. This equilibrium might lead to a concentration of competitors in a specific area, beneficial for visibility and customer access, but it can also spark intense rivalry.

In Miami's case, a constantly growing business hub that draws various industries, Game Theory and the Nash Equilibrium offer valuable insights. The strategic placement of businesses in neighborhoods like Brickell, Wynwood, or the Design District doesn't solely depend on area characteristics but also on competitors' decisions. Delving into these dynamics can shape decisions to maximize success potential.

In the modern context, recent research and articles continue to explore how Game Theory and Nash Equilibrium apply to competition clustering. Resources such as S. Anderson and R. Engers' (2000) "Spatial Competition and Equilibrium Locations" and H. Bohm's (2013) "Hotelling's Location Model" provide deep analyses of these dynamics in the fields of economics and geography.

Game Theory and Nash Equilibrium offer an intriguing lens to comprehend how businesses strategize their location in competitive Miami. With focus on optimal strategies and competitors' reactions, these theories illuminate the competition clustering process and how equilibrium can shape the business landscape of an ever-evolving city.

References:

Anderson, S., & Engers, M. (2000). "Spatial Competition and Equilibrium Locations." Econometrica, 68(3), 579-604.

Bohm, H. (2013). "Hotelling's Location Model." Handbook of Regional and Urban Economics, 4, 159-196.

Unveiling the Nash Equilibrium: Steps for Practical Application

Grasp the Basics of Game Theory

  • Game Theory delves into strategic decisions where one's choices affect others. In business location, it examines how a company's choices influence its competitors.

Discover the Nash Equilibrium

  • The Nash Equilibrium is reached when no business would shift its location, as they are aware of each other's choices. This can lead to business concentration in an area, even if competitors are nearby.

Investigate Your Competitors

  • Analyze where your competitors are situated in Miami. If they're close, they might be in a Nash Equilibrium. Consider if moving could be advantageous or not.

Weigh Pros and Cons

  • Decide if proximity to competitors benefits you with more visibility or if it could lead to fierce rivalry. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding.

Seek Success Stories

  • Companies like Starbucks and Dunkin' have successfully employed proximity strategies. For instance, spotting a Starbucks might mean a nearby Dunkin'.

Dive into Relevant Articles

  • Explore "Spatial Competition and Equilibrium Locations" by S. Anderson and R. Engers (2000) and "Hotelling's Location Model" by H. Bohm (2013) for in-depth insights.

Learn from Experience

  • Fast food chains and cafes have applied the Nash Equilibrium. Study their gains and adapt these principles to your Miami business.

Make Strategic Choices

  • Know your options and Miami's context. If the Nash Equilibrium works in your favor, consider locations near competitors.

In our next piece, we'll explain how this operates with more than two competitors... Stay tuned!

Cantón 2025 como espejo del Comercio 2030: tres tendencias que redefinen el juego para el mercado global y local (parte III)

(Cobertura exclusiva desde China) La Feria de Cantón no es un supermercado gigante. Es una universidad de comercio global condensada en 15 días. Los importadores exitosos invierten tanto tiempo en observar tendencias, analizar competencia y entender procesos de fabricación como en negociar precios. Pero también, la importancia estratégica para occidente es crear el mega mundo de marcas, ya no de producto, sino de vivencias, experiencias, valor que Asia no puede generar en fábricas.

La Gran Paradoja para Anglolatina: Cuando "Comprar en China" Deja de Ser la Respuesta (Parte 2)

(Cobertura exclusiva  desde China) El Descubrimiento Inquietante de los Importadores 2025 .La experiencia documentada por Nuve (empresa especializada en venta por nuevos canales de producto)  y el equipo de Infonegocios en Cantón revela una verdad incómoda que está sacudiendo al sector: muchos productos chinos ya están disponibles en Latinoamérica y Miami a precios competitivos, y algunos incluso más baratos que importando directo.

La Gran Feria del Dragón 2025: Cómo China reinventó el Comercio Global y Qué Significa para Miami y anglolatina. (Parte 1)

(Una serie de notas exclusivas cocreadas con Maximiliano Mauvecin, experto en comercio exterior, Esteban Bovo y Claudio Sanchez empresarios comerciales y productores latinos, desde China, junto con Maqueda y Maurizio) La Feria de Cantón 2025 y la Nueva Geopolítica del Retail: Lecciones para Emprendedores Latinos desde el Epicentro Manufacturero del Mundo, ¿por qué el mundo  hoy se divide en producción y en valor? ¿Qué aprovechar de China?¿Cómo competir con China?

El Proyecto “Galáctico” 2026: Inter Miami busca blindar el arco para el año del Freedom Park (los nombres que suenan en Brickell)

(Por Ortega-Taylor) En el ajedrez estratégico del fútbol moderno, cada pieza cuenta. Y mientras Lionel Messi acapara titulares con su renovación hasta 2028, el Inter Miami ejecuta en silencio una ingeniería de plantel que podría redefinir los estándares competitivos de la MLS. La última ficha en ese tablero tiene nombre propio: Pedro Gallese, el guardameta de 35 años que defiende los colores de Perú y que actualmente milita en Orlando City, clásico rival de las Garzas.

(Tiempo de lectura: 4 minutos)

El contexto hiper competitivo: una MLS que no perdona (cuando fútbol es además real estate, marcas y crossing marketing)

(Por Taylor y Ortega, con Maurizio) Muchas cosas se han vuelto extremadamente competitivas en Miami. La MLS de 2026 no será la misma que recibió a Messi en 2023. La liga ha experimentado una metamorfosis competitiva acelerada: fichajes de alto perfil desde Europa y Sudamérica, inversiones millonarias en academias juveniles, y una infraestructura que cada vez se asemeja más a las grandes ligas del mundo.

(Tiempo de lectura: 4 minutos)

Desde China te contamos las dos grandes estrategias de todo negocio 2025-2023 en la era de la hiperproducción y saturación de mercado

Desde la Feria de Canton, un equipo de empresarios y analistas proponen esa clara visión. ¿Qué más necesitas para cambiar drásticamente el racional de tu directorio, de tus objetivos, de tu equipo de planificación, de tu disminuido, totalmente, área integral de marca, marketing, branding y comunicación?. ¿Tu foco ha sido vender? ¿Creas y expandes valor o eres un canal de venta de productos producidos en China?

(Tiempo de lectura alto valor estratégico: 4 minutos)