Autarky Value

When something has a value by itself. e.g. PC has some Autarky Value a Cell phone does not. See Network Externalities

For instance, Autarky value is the value of the product irrespective of the number of users who use it – i.e. core value. Synchronization value is derived from many users using it. So the relative abilities of MS to capture synchronization will determine if they gain critical mass i.e. MS and Intel.

Parallels can be drawn with pay TV in the UK in the early 1990’s. The autarky value (the value of the product when no one else uses it) of owning a satellite disk is very low. But the synchronization value that is derived from being able to interact with other uses of the product increases as more users buy satellite systems. BSkyB were faced with an extremely risky investment. It required a significant investment in a pay-to-view service even though there was no existing market. The economies of scale were such that, like plane manufacturers, there could be a few viable mass market providers. There was uncertainty over which platform to deliver programs with.

In economics it can mean a country that does not trade with another Country

In Philiophical terms it derives from Aristotle's Autarchic Man. A self-sufficient independent person