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Why Meso?

Why Meso?

On “Aggregation” vs. “Emergence” and Why and How the Meso Level is the Aggregate Level Proper in Evolutionary Economics

The paper deals with the question of why and how complex processes characterized by continuing direct interdependencies may lead to the emergence of ‘structure’ at some ‘meso’ level. Using a simple ‘folk-theorem’ frame, it is argued that the basic coordination problem can be solved through the emergence of an institution which in turn requires the simultaneous formation of the institution’s ‘carrier’ group. This co-evolution of a problem-solving emerging ‘structure’ (institution) and group formation will typically take place at some ‘meso’ level, i.e. in mid-sized groups. Neo-Schumpeterian economists have elaborated recently on this question in terms of innovations of social rules and the processes of their adoption/diffusion (namely K. Dopfer, J. Foster and J. Potts). The present paper argues, that this process has to, and can, be traced back to a defined problem which is to be solved individually and collectively. It will be argued here that the meso group must be comprehended both as cause and effect of a collective problem-solving process. The paper is considered to underpin the Neo-Schumpeterian argument.