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Economic analysis and competition policy practice: A comparative empirical examination

Author

Listed:
  • Golovanova, Svetlana
  • Ribeiro, Eduardo Pontual
  • Avdasheva, Svetlana

Abstract

This paper contributes to empirical studies of competition policy enforcement. The study applies an empirical approach to measure the extent of economic analysis (legal standard) applied by competition authorities in antitrust cases by leading developing countries, namely, Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa (4 out of 5 BRICS countries). Using antitrust case-by-case information we explore the level, dynamics, and convergence of legal standards in antitrust investigations. The results indicate that the countries differ in the legal standard used, even on the same conduct type under investigation. On average, competition authorities in Brazil and India apply higher legal standards than those in Russia and South Africa. The ranking of legal standards by conduct groups differs as well, with vertical agreements and abuse of dominance cases having the highest levels. There is no evidence of an increasing trend or convergence in the legal standard in antitrust investigations, either between cases of the same conduct group or between countries investigated. This study also does not find unambiguous evidence on the effect of resources (funding and staff) on legal standards or on the consistency of case-specific analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Golovanova, Svetlana & Ribeiro, Eduardo Pontual & Avdasheva, Svetlana, 2025. "Economic analysis and competition policy practice: A comparative empirical examination," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 49(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecosys:v:49:y:2025:i:1:s0939362524000670
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecosys.2024.101245
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    competition enforcement; case-specific economic analysis; legal standard;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General
    • K21 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Antitrust Law

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