Current issues in competition theory and policy

Issues of Competition Policy take place on an international scale increasingly often. The merger wave, cartels, the network economy, deregulation, industrial organisation, as well as the international aspects of Competition Policy are key words of today´s economic debates. The INFER Annual Conference 2002 on “Current Issues in Competition Theory and Policy” gave room for analysis of these aspects in theoretical papers, empirical results and case studies alike, all with a focus on practical relevance. Competition Policy here covers not only the classical instruments of competition law and regulation, but also for example public investment or the role of licensing and its impact on competition in our “knowledge based” economy. The contributors to this volume come from two continents and eight countries, working in research institutes, universities, private firms, government and regulatory bodies. Their contributions deal with general and international issues as well as competition policy instruments, specific market studies, particularly on networks, as well as deregulation. One recurring issue of the conference was the “more economic-based competition policy”, proposed by the European Commission.