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The innovation theory of harm in merger control: Some clarifications

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  • Valletti, Tommaso

Abstract

Recent literature has analyzed the unilateral effects of mergers on investment and innovation. This note explores the Innovation Theory of Harm from a policy perspective, clarifying possible conceptual misunderstandings and identifying directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Valletti, Tommaso, 2025. "The innovation theory of harm in merger control: Some clarifications," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:255:y:2025:i:c:s0165176525003933
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112556
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mukherjee, Arijit, 2022. "Merger and process innovation," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 213(C).
    2. Denicolò, Vincenzo & Polo, Michele, 2018. "Duplicative research, mergers and innovation," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 56-59.
    3. Federico, Giulio & Langus, Gregor & Valletti, Tommaso, 2017. "A simple model of mergers and innovation," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 136-140.
    4. Yassine Lefouili & Leonardo Madio, 2025. "Mergers and Investments: Where Do We Stand?," Working Papers hal-05129593, HAL.
    5. Ioannis Kokkoris & Tommaso Valletti, 2020. "Innovation Considerations in Horizontal Merger Control," Journal of Competition Law and Economics, Oxford University Press, vol. 16(2), pages 220-261.
    6. Federico, Giulio & Langus, Gregor & Valletti, Tommaso, 2018. "Reprint of: Horizontal mergers and product innovation," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 590-612.
    7. Federico, Giulio & Langus, Gregor & Valletti, Tommaso, 2018. "Horizontal mergers and product innovation," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 1-23.
    8. Motta, Massimo & Tarantino, Emanuele, 2021. "The effect of horizontal mergers, when firms compete in prices and investments," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Yassine Lefouili & Leonardo Madio, 2026. "Mergers and investments : where do we stand ?," Post-Print hal-05543677, HAL.

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