A tool used to determine the responsiveness of quantity supplied to a change in price, this metric is calculated by dividing the percentage change in quantity supplied by the percentage change in price. For instance, if a 10% price increase leads to a 20% increase in the quantity supplied, the metric would be 2. This numerical representation helps understand the sensitivity of supply to price fluctuations.
Understanding supply responsiveness is crucial for businesses making production decisions and for policymakers analyzing market dynamics. Historically, the concept has evolved alongside economic theory, providing a framework for predicting market behavior and informing policy interventions related to taxation, subsidies, and price controls. This understanding allows for better forecasting of market reactions to external factors.
