Strategic Inattention in Product Search Article by JProf. Dr. Hippel and Prof. Dr. Hillenbrand in the journal "Managment Science"

On February 14, 2025, a joint study by JProf. Dr. Svenja Hippel and Prof. Adrian Hillenbrand (ZEW and KIT) titled “Strategic Inattention in Product Search” was published in the journal Management Science. The study examines the concept of “strategic inattention” in online shopping and shows that consumers limit their product search to avoid higher prices when companies analyze search behavior. While this strategy can help consumers find cheaper deals, it often leads to less satisfying purchases. The findings of the study also raise the question of whether current EU regulations, which are primarily based on information requirements, are sufficient for effective consumer protection. You can find the article here.