Dealing with a Non-Ergodic World: Institutional Economics, Property Rights, and the Global Environment

Abstract

"For the world of semi-impersonal exchange, Elinor Ostrom has probably done more than anybody else in her work examining common pool problems and ways in which we can effectively structure problems involving common property. Ostrom's work in the field, as well as the theoretical work that she has done, has made her a pioneer. In her book, Governing the Commons, she has a list of commandments for solving common pool problems. n9 These commandments are very sensible. When I have been concerned with specific problems at relatively local levels and have tried to devise institutional structures that work, Ostrom's advice and sage thoughts have been extremely valuable."