Endogenous link strength in directed communication networks

We present a model of communication network formation in which links’ strengths are endogenously determined by individual incentives. Agents are endowed with a fixed amount of resource which they can distribute as they want in directed links. Individuals capture benefits from both direct and indirect access to others, in a way that takes into account the strength of each link. The wheel architecture is shown to be the unique efficient and stable architecture under mild restriction. JEL Classification Numbers: D85, C70