Implications For Competition Research Articles

Guangdong’s New R&D Institutes

In pursuit of technological development, China has created new organizations to promote innovation. This brief examines New Research and Development Institutes (NRDIs), which are designed to foster knowledge transfer to industry. NRDIs were pioneered in Guangdong province in the 1990s, and have gained prominence in China’s national science, technology, and innovation policies since the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020). NRDIs are defined by their market orientation and extremely flexible organizational form. They work by establishing “innovation platforms” with local governments and private knowledge actors to carry out research and development (R&D), commercialize scientific and technological achievements, incubate local technology industries, and cultivate high-end talent. NRDIs have been instrumental to regional development in Guangdong, and especially Shenzhen, where they have succeeded in attracting talent from outside the region. NRDIs have important policy implications for international competition for talent. Understanding NRDIs is crucial for other countries that want to improve their own inter-regional innovation resources and respond to the challenge of China’s drive to attract global talent and knowledge resources.

A novel approach to commercial property valuation: Successive term indexing and its competitive implications

The development of innovative valuation models in the commercial real estate sector is crucial for enhancing competitiveness, as they provide stakeholders with the accuracy and adaptability needed to navigate and capitalize in an increasingly complex market landscape. This paper aims to improve initial valuations provided by real estate agents by updating their timeliness while also enhancing their accuracy. Leveraging statistical techniques based on hedonic regression, it introduces a novel mechanism, successive term indexing, enabling the reassessment of widely varying commercial properties with initial assessments that are at least one term old, where a term typically encompasses one year. The model's novelty lies in its approach to indexing individual property characteristics across two successive terms, using a k-means algorithm to categorize all numerical variables and stepwise selection. The former enables differing index values for varying sizes, while the latter allows dynamic evaluation of the significance of regressors in time. Applied to data from a banking institution, the model showcases strong predictive accuracy with unique reassessment ratios ranging from -3.8% to 5.2% for 2022. With its nuanced analysis of market dynamics and indexing capabilities, the mechanism intersects the elements of PPIs and AVMs, presenting a significant methodological advancement and a practical, simple-to-use tool for valuation.

The European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI): in search for legitimacy and resilience of European standardisation

European standardisation, a key institution for the functioning of the EU single market, functions at the crossroads of private rule-making and public policy. Recently, it has been subjected to fierce scrutiny by the European Commission and the European Court of Justice. Expressed concerns relate to the legal value of standards and the legitimacy of institutions creating them but have broader implications for European competitiveness, highlighting the strategic role of standards. By far much of this critique has been directed towards the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), the EU’s crown jewel of technology standardisation. ETSI’s normative power manifests itself in policymaking, legislation and market processes, rendering it an interesting organisation to study as a proxy to understand the legitimacy and resilience of European standardisation. Against this backdrop, this introduction sets the theoretical and legal context for this Special Issue. Upon discussing the background and dynamic of European standardisation, it provides a theoretical framework for ‘crises' and ‘legitimacy’, tailoring it to the particular case of ETSI and the challenges it faces at the policy and judicial level. Lastly, it provides a critical reflection on the Research Articles in this Special Issue, linking them to the current discourses on legitimacy and resilience.

The Effect of Talent Management on Employee Satisfaction and Performance in Manufacturing Companies in Indonesia

This study investigates the impact of talent management on employee satisfaction and performance in manufacturing companies in Indonesia. A quantitative approach was adopted, involving a sample of 150 employees from various firms. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on a Likert scale (1-5) and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS 3). The results reveal that talent management significantly and positively influences both employee satisfaction and performance. Additionally, employee satisfaction mediates the relationship between talent management and performance, further enhancing the positive impact. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive talent management strategies for improving employee outcomes in the manufacturing sector. Practical implications for human resource management and organizational competitiveness are discussed, with a focus on employee development, recognition, and performance improvement.

Collective Action and Business Competitiveness

This study aims to comprehensively review the extant literature examining the intricate relationship between collective action (CA) strategies employed within industrial contexts and the consequent impact on organizational competitiveness. Utilizing a systematic literature review methodology, this study meticulously identifies and synthesizes the challenges and solutions associated with CA. Additionally, it delineates various factors that influence business competitiveness in relation to collective action strategies. The analysis culminates in the development of a conceptual model that elucidates the dynamic interplay between collective action problems and strategies, alongside key business competitiveness factors. Furthermore, the study highlights the moderating role that governance structures can exert on this relationship. This review stands out in the literature due to its unique focus on the intersection of collective action strategies and organizational competitiveness. It addresses a gap in existing research by providing a comprehensive synthesis of these variables within the context of business environments. The study underscores the imperative for a more profound theoretical exploration of business-related collective action. It suggests a critical examination of the role that existing business associations play in enhancing or impeding the competitiveness of firms. By doing so, it offers valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers aiming to leverage collective action for competitive advantage. The comprehensive analysis offered in this review provides a robust framework for understanding the factors that drive the effectiveness of collective action strategies and their implications for business competitiveness. By identifying the challenges and solutions associated with collective action, as well as the business competitiveness factors influenced by these strategies, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the field. Additionally, the conceptual model proposed here highlights the crucial role of governance in moderating the relationship between collective action and competitiveness, offering a nuanced perspective that can inform both academic inquiry and practical implementation. Overall, this study provides a valuable foundation for future research and practice, emphasizing the importance of collective action in achieving and sustaining competitive advantage in the business world.

Style over substance? Advertising, innovation, and endogenous market structure

While firms use both innovation and advertising to boost profits, markups, and market shares, their broader social implications vary substantially. We study their interaction and analyze their implications for competition, industry dynamics, growth, and welfare. We develop an oligopolistic general-equilibrium growth model with firm heterogeneity. Market structure is endogenous, and firms’ production, innovation, and advertising decisions interact strategically. We find advertising reduces static misallocation, but also depresses growth through a substitution effect with R&D. Although advertising is found to be socially useful, taxing it could simultaneously increase dynamic efficiency, contain excessive advertising spending, and raise revenue, while still reducing misallocation.

Nitrogen fixation and fertilization have similar effects on biomass allocation in nitrogen-fixing plants.

Plants adjust their allocation to different organs based on nutrient supply. In some plant species, symbioses with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that live in root nodules provide an alternate pathway for nitrogen acquisition. Does access to nitrogen-fixing bacteria modify plants' biomass allocation? We hypothesized that access to nitrogen-fixing bacteria would have the same effect on allocation to aboveground versus belowground tissues as access to plentiful soil nitrogen. To test this hypothesis and related hypotheses about allocation to stems versus leaves and roots versus nodules, we conducted experiments with 15 species of nitrogen-fixing plants in two separate greenhouses. In each, we grew seedlings with and without access to symbiotic bacteria across a wide gradient of soil nitrogen supply. As is common, uninoculated plants allocated relatively less biomass belowground when they had more soil nitrogen. As we hypothesized, nitrogen fixation had a similar effect as the highest level of fertilization on allocation aboveground versus belowground. Both nitrogen fixation and high fertilization led to ~10% less biomass allocated belowground (~10% more aboveground) than the uninoculated, lowest fertilization treatment. Fertilization reduced allocation to nodules relative to roots. The responses for allocation of aboveground tissues to leaves versus stems were not as consistent across greenhouses or species as the other allocation trends, though more nitrogen fixation consistently led to relatively more allocation to leaves when soil nitrogen supply was low. Synthesis: Our results suggest that symbiotic nitrogen fixation causes seedlings to allocate relatively less biomass belowground, with potential implications for competition and carbon storage in early forest development.

Grand Challenges Unpacked: Strategic Implications of Coordination, Competition, and Communication

Grand Challenges Unpacked: Strategic Implications of Coordination, Competition, and Communication

Explicating the microfoundations of operational excellence in services: A capabilities perspective

AbstractThe operations management community has recognized operational excellence as a contemporary arena comprising a full spectrum of research paradigms. However, there is a dearth of theoretical development aimed at understanding and unpacking operational excellence and its strategic implications for competitiveness. Much of the existing research focuses on siloed operational improvement practices rather than on inherent capabilities. In this paper, we conceptualize operational excellence from a capabilities perspective. We derive our findings from within‐ and cross‐case analyses based on data gathered from four global banks with varying competitive positions. We posit the microfoundations of operational excellence in services by demonstrating how the cumulative aggregation of constituent capabilities leads to higher competitiveness in firms. We enhance the external validity of the emergent theory by showing its applicability in another service setting (healthcare). Our study demonstrates the importance of shifting managerial thinking from individual operational improvement practices to long‐term capability building through the microfoundations of operational excellence.

The Market for Non-Alcoholic Wine in Germany – Structural Analysis and Implications for Competitive Strategies

Non-alcoholic wines have become increasingly important in recent years in Germany. A constant stream of new market players and products is evidence of a dynamic market development and for the creation of a new branch in the highly competitive wine sector. Thus, the central aim of this article is to provide a first analysis of the structure of the German market for non-alcoholic wines in order to derive implications for industry competition and possible competitive strategies of individual market participants. An explorative research approach has been applied including in-depth interviews with experts from various companies along the value chain (n=24). Results show that competition in the market for non-alcoholic wines must be regarded as dynamic due to strong external market forces. A high risk of new companies entering the market can be emphasised as well as the high bargaining power of the retail and a high threat of substitutes. Within the industry, however, rivalry is currently considered to be low, resulting in low profitability and a tendency towards high fluctuation of market participants. With regard to possible competitive strategies it becomes clear that especially for smaller wineries, a long-term successful survival within the market can only be realised with strong differentiation. Ultimately, the transfer of the products into an own category which departs from the classic image of non-alcoholic wine represents a promising approach in order to address entirely new target groups.

A Return-to-Performance Pathway for Professional Soccer: A Criteria-based Approach to Return Injured Professional Players Back to Performance

BACKGROUND: Injuries in football (soccer) have a huge financial and performance impact. Teams with fewer injuries and higher player availability have been shown to finish higher in the league than teams with reduced availability and higher injury rates. CLINICAL QUESTION: Given the economic and competitive implications of injury, how can high-performance practitioners guide players’ return to performance (RTPerf)? KEY RESULTS: We share a rehabilitation framework with clear progressions and objective criteria to guide decision making at each phase. Upon completing acute management, normal movement patterns are restored, along with strength, endurance, power, and injury-specific function. Objective profiling helps to determine readiness to return to running (RTRunning). Once running, players are reintroduced to on-field sports-specific actions. Players progress through 6 phases, starting with a reloading phase (Grass Phase 1), moving on to more intensive actions (Grass Phase 2), maximum speed and positional drills (Grass Phase 3), and a progressive team training period (Grass Phase 4) before returning to play (RTPlay) (Grass Phase 5). Upon reaching previous injury metrics or higher, with no restrictions on match exposure, the player has returned to performance (Grass Phase 6). CLINICAL APPLICATION: An 11-phase RTPerf pathway includes examples for practitioners of objective criteria for each phase. The pathway can be adapted for different injury scenarios. JOSPT Open 2024;2(3):166-178. Epub 24 May 2024. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2024.1240

Unlocking Economic Growth: The Transformative Role of Infrastructure Finance in India

"Recognizing the transformative impact of strategic investments in PPP Model, this study investigates how infrastructure development can serve as a linchpin for sustained economic prosperity. Through an exploration of key sectors such as transportation connectivity-air, road and rail, energy, and water supply & sanitation, the paper aims to highlight the multifaceted benefits of robust infrastructure on overall efficiency, business expansion, and job creation. The research emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to infrastructure finance, advocating for a balanced mix of public and private investments. The paper also addresses the importance of transparent regulatory frameworks, risk mitigation strategies, and efficient project planning to attract private investors and ensure the successful implementation of infrastructure projects. By elucidating the potential multiplier effects and global competitiveness implications, the paper provides valuable perspectives for investors, policymakers, and scholars seeking to comprehend the intricacies of transformative dynamics of infrastructure-led economic growth in India. This research paper delves into the pivotal role of infrastructure finance as a catalyst for unlocking economic growth in India."

Overlapping and non-overlapping indications for checkpoint inhibitors in the US.

11057 Background: Since the first checkpoint inhibitor was approved in 2014, this class of cancer drug has revolutionized the treatment of several malignancies. As of January 2024, 11 checkpoint inhibitors have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), each with its own particular indications. We assessed the overlap of approved indications, which has implications for competition and price negotiation by payers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the FDA-approved indications for 11 checkpoint inhibitors as of January 2024. Indications were defined by cancer tissue type (or mutation status for non-tumor-type indications), stage, and line of treatment (first-line, second-line, third-line, or fourth-or-greater-line). Non-overlapping indications were defined as those with only a single drug approved; for overlapping indications, we tabulated the number of approved drugs. Results: The 11 FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors were associated with 43 distinct indications, ranging from 2 (retifanlimab, toripalimab, and tremelimumab) to 35 (pembrolizumab) indications per drug. Fifteen (43%) indications were non-overlapping. Pembrolizumab had 11 non-overlapping indications (e.g., certain breast, cervical, and urothelial cancers); all other drugs had between 0 and 2 non-overlapping indications (Table). Among the 28 overlapping indications, 15 (54%) had approvals for 2 drugs, 9 (32%) had approvals for 3 drugs, 3 (11%) had approvals for 4 drugs, and 1 (3%; non-small cell lung cancer) had approvals for 7 of the 11 drugs. Conclusions: Checkpoint inhibitors are FDA-approved for a total of 43 different indications, but most indications were included on the labeling of 3 or fewer drugs in this class. Over 1 in 3 indications had only 1 approved drug, most commonly pembrolizumab. This limited overlap of indications suggests that manufacturers may avoid seeking approval for indications that already have multiple approved drugs of the same class, which may decrease competition and lead to sustained high drug prices. To provide patients with better information about the checkpoint inhibitor most appropriate for their cancer, the NIH could fund, and the FDA could encourage, more direct comparative effectiveness trials. [Table: see text]

SOCIO-ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF INTERNAL AUDIT IMPROVEMENT IN THE REPUBLIC

Improving internal audit processes plays a crucial role in shaping socio-economic landscapes in various sectors. This improvement has significant implications for financial integrity, fraud prevention, compliance, governance, operational efficiency, risk management, investor confidence, job creation, public trust, innovation, growth and global competitiveness. By ensuring clarity, transparency and ethical practices, improved internal audits contribute to a sustainable and prosperous economy, while building trust among stakeholders and attracting investment.

Konsekuensi dari Ekosistem Digital terhadap Regulasi Persaingan Bisnis di Indonesia dan Peran Komisi Pengawas Persaingan Usaha (KPPU) dalam Era Ekonomi Digital

The era of the digital economy as it is today has demanded business people to carry out their business activities online. As a result, buyers will also make purchases online. It has implications for business competition. In this case, Law (UU) No. 5 of 1999 concerning the Prohibition of Monopolistic Practices and Unfair business Competition has not accommodated the impact of the digital economy. So with that, this research has two objectives. The objectives are; First, to know the effect of the digital ecosystem on business competition law in Indonesia. Second, to see the role of the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) in the digital economy era in the event of unfair business competition. This research uses the type of juridical-normative research. The impact of the digital economy on business competition in Indonesia has resulted in a lot of abuse of the digital platform market. In this case, digital platforms are increasing with vertical business development. This business development increases the ability of digital platforms to collect more data, increase their competitiveness and become online shop owners and application users, so that the dominant position of digital platforms can be abused, for example, discriminating against competitors in retail, exclusivity agreements with consumers, and selling policies. With losses may result in competitors becoming uncompetitive in the market and leaving the market. Responding to these challenges, it is necessary to have a regulation that regulates in a more specific scope. This is because several countries in Europe have revised their business competition law regulations to protect business actors. In addition, as a form of responding to the challenges of the times that have changed the direction of the economy and online business. Of course, the government and business actors must work together to achieve good goals for the parties who will have an impact.

Antitrust Vigilance: Scrutinizing Anti-Competitive Impacts in Indian and International M&A for Equitable Economic Expansion

The field of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has witnessed significant growth and evolution in recent decades, driven by globalization, technological advancements, and changing market dynamics. The increasing interconnectedness of economies, the rise of digital platforms, and the pursuit of strategic synergies have fuelled a surge in M&A activity across industries and regions. This has prompted policymakers, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders to scrutinize M&A transactions more closely to ensure they do not unduly harm competition, consumer welfare, or market stability. Moreover, the evolving landscape of competition policy, regulatory frameworks, and enforcement mechanisms has added complexity to the M&A process, requiring companies to navigate a myriad of legal, regulatory, and operational challenges when pursuing cross-border transactions. Against this backdrop, understanding the principles of antitrust vigilance, the regulatory frameworks governing M&A transactions, and the ethical considerations involved is essential for stakeholders involved in the deal-making process. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the M&A landscape, with disruptions to supply chains, changes in consumer behavior, and economic uncertainties impacting deal activity and strategic priorities. As companies adapt to new market realities and navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, there is a heightened need for vigilance in assessing the competitive implications of M&A transactions and promoting a competitive marketplace that fosters innovation, economic growth, and consumer welfare. In light of these developments, this dissertation aims to provide a comprehensive examination of anti-trust vigilance and regulatory frameworks in Indian and international mergers and acquisitions, exploring the complexities, challenges, and ethical considerations involved in managing M&A transactions for equitable economic expansion. By analyzing key concepts, principles, case studies, and future directions, this dissertation seeks to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and inform policy debates on competition policy, regulatory reform, and corporate governance in the context of M&A transactions.

The multi-specialty recruitment assessment (MSRA): implications for specialty training competition.

The multi-specialty recruitment assessment (MSRA): implications for specialty training competition.

A REVIEW OF ADVANCED EDUCATIONAL METHODS AND THEIR IMPACT ON U.S. COMPETITIVENESS IN THE GLOBAL MARKET

This research explores the integration of advanced educational methods in the United States and its implications for national competitiveness. The literature review underscores the critical link between education and economic competitiveness by examining the historical evolution of the U.S. education system. U.S. education's current state reveals strengths and weaknesses, necessitating innovative solutions. The potential impact of advanced methods on student outcomes, the reduction of educational disparities, and alignment with workforce needs are analyzed. Challenges such as resistance to change, equity concerns, and ethical considerations are addressed. Policy implications emphasize the need for flexible, equitable, and data-driven strategies to maximize the transformative potential of advanced educational methods for a more inclusive and globally competitive future. Keywords: Advanced Educational Methods, U.S. Education System, Global Competitiveness, Student Outcomes, Educational Disparities, Policy Implications.

Merger and Acquistion in India Banking System

The landscape of the Indian banking sector has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades, with mergers and acquisitions (M&A) playing a pivotal role in its evolution. This trend has been primarily driven by the need for stronger and more resilient banking institutions capable of supporting India's burgeoning economic growth and expanding global footprint. The Indian government, along with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has actively encouraged consolidation in the banking sector to enhance operational efficiency, achieve economies of scale, and improve risk management practices. The rationale behind the push for M&A in the Indian banking system includes addressing the issue of non-performing assets (NPAs), which has plagued many banks; increasing competitive advantage in both domestic and international markets; and fostering the development of banks that can be classified as global or regional champions. Moreover, the digital transformation in the banking industry and the emergence of fintech companies have further necessitated traditional banks to reassess their business models and market positions, often leading to strategic mergers or acquisitions. This paper examines the impact of M&A on the Indian banking system, highlighting key transactions that have reshaped the industry landscape. It delves into the regulatory framework governing M&A in banking, evaluates the successes and challenges post-merger or acquisition, and discusses the implications for stakeholders, including implications for market competition, customer service, and employee welfare. The analysis also explores how M&A activities align with broader economic reforms and financial inclusion goals in India.

The Rise of Urgent Care Centers: Implications for Competition and Access to Health Care

The Rise of Urgent Care Centers: Implications for Competition and Access to Health Care