Final answer:
Disney utilized Mickey Mouse as the tangible resource to generate economic rents, capitalizing on the economies of scope that the character offered across the company's diverse portfolio.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the lecture, the tangible resource that Disney used to make economic rents was Mickey Mouse. Disney's iconic character has allowed the company to generate significant economic rents through branding, merchandising, and media presence. Mickey Mouse serves as a symbol of the Disney brand and has been integral to Disney's success. Over the years, Disney has capitalized on Mickey Mouse to create a diverse portfolio, illustrating economies of scope by extending the character's presence across various markets and product lines.
The concept of economies of scale is demonstrated by cities, where economic activity is concentrated due to the productivity benefits of grouping activities. However, Disney's use of Mickey Mouse aligns more closely with economies of scope, as the character enables Disney to offer a wide range of products and services that benefit from the strong brand identity Mickey provides.