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Auction Theory

Definition

Auction theory is a branch of economics that studies how auctions are designed and how participants behave within them. It examines different auction formats, such as first-price sealed-bid or English auctions, and analyzes strategies that bidders might employ. The theory seeks to predict outcomes and optimize revenue for sellers or utility for buyers based on assumptions about participant rationality and information. Understanding auction theory is crucial for comprehending mechanisms involving price discovery and resource allocation in digital markets.