The phenomenon where the average cost of production decreases as output increases is a core concept in economics. This occurs when a proportional increase in inputs yields a greater proportional increase in output. For instance, an investment in specialized equipment or employee training might result in a disproportionately larger increase in production volume, leading to a lower cost per unit produced.
This dynamic has profound implications for market structure and economic growth. It can lead to the emergence of dominant firms and industries, as early adopters benefit from a cost advantage that is difficult for competitors to overcome. Historically, industries exhibiting these characteristics have often experienced rapid technological advancement and significant productivity gains, contributing to overall economic prosperity.