Hauptgutachten. Wettbewerb 2018

In its 22nd report “Competition 2018”, the Monopolies Commission recommends the adaptation of the legal framework to the digital transformation. Digitalisation is progressing in many economic fields. Prices are increasingly set on the basis of algorithms. Streaming services and video portals are gaining in favour with viewers and are replacing traditional television. In terms of the supply of medication, online trading is increasingly complementing the services of local pharmacies. The resulting structural change must be shaped by fair rules for the old and new providers for the good of the consumer. Furthermore, the Monopolies Commission addresses the concentration and interdependence of large companies and the development of market power indicators. On the basis of an analysis of the practice of national and European cartel offices, recommendations for action for the legislator and the cartel offices are provided.