Essays in Microeconomic Theory

Abstract

This thesis comprises four self-contained essays in economic theory studying the optimal use of private information in strategic interactions. In all the situations considered, non-monetary as well as dynamic incentives play an important role. Chapter 1 contributes to the theory of information design by analysing how information is optimally released to attract attention over time. The questions studied in Chapters 2-4 belong to the theory of mechanism design and contract theory. These chapters aim to understand how information is used to support incentive provision and when it is most effective to acquire costly information.