The Success of the Competition Commission in Regulating Anti-Competitive Behaviour within the European Union, focusing on Technology

By

2012 -13



An Advanced Economics Dissertation () presented in part consideration for the degree of

BA (Economics)

ABSTRACT

This study is consists of five main chapters. These include chapter 1 where the introduction to this study with its significance, problem statement, the rationale and the main research aims and objectives are discussed in detail. This is followed by the chapter 2 of this study, which entails an in-depth review of literature related to the topic of this study, which better helps in the understanding of both this study and the main research topic. The following chapter 3 contains the methodology of this research study, which is qualitative in nature and assesses extensive analysis of the various works done related to the research topic by using the research method of case study and secondary analysis of qualitative data. Conversely, chapter 4 of this includes the discussion and analyses of the three most famous technological or IT firms in the world, namely Microsoft, Google and Intel, including their cases pertaining to anti-competitive behaviour in the EU and the concerned actions taken against them. The last chapter of this study, chapter 5, includes the conclusion where the main findings and observations are summarized, coupled with future recommendations for further research.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank my supervisors, friends and family, without their support this research study would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I adjudge that the entire content of this dissertation is entirely my own work; the content used in this dissertation has not been submitted before in any educational institution and represents my own opinion.

Signed __________________ Date _________________



Abstractii

Acknowledgementiii

Declarationiv

List of figuresvii

Chapter 1: Introduction1

Background of the study1

Problem statement2

Significance of the study5

Research aims and objectives5

Research aims5

Research objectives5

Research questions6

Rationale of the Study7

Summary of Thesis7

Chapter 2: Literature Review9

Introduction9

European Union and Competition9

Competition10

Anti-competitive law and Consumers12

Anti-Competitive Behaviour and Consumers15

Chapter 3: Methodology17

Introduction17

Research Methodology17

Research Design18

Literature Search19

Case Study Discussion and Analysis19

Chapter 4: Data Analysis And Findings21

Introduction21

Case Study Discussion & Analysis21

Microsoft21

EU Versus Microsoft23

Google24

Intel26

Other Perspective27

Chapter 5: Conclusion And Recommendations31

References32

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Inverse Relationship between Competition and Innovation............................Page 4

The Success of Competition Commission in Regulating Anti-Competitive Behaviour within the European Union, focusing on Technology

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

According to Zhou (2008) technology has widely been considered as the prime source for instigating competitive advantage amongst different parties, mainly because technology plays a pivotal role in the evolution of the industry. Although, there are many researches highlighting different aspects of the market structure, technological innovation and competitive advantage but not much have been scientifically been studied about anti-competitive or anti-trust behaviour in the European Union, especially in relation to technology or technological innovation. Similarly, Budzinski (2009) notes that the many advantages and disadvantages of economic approach to competition law have been extensively discussed and debated by scholars, lawyers, economists and political scientists. It is in conjunction of this that competition policy differs in different countries, while also representing a multi-disciplinary approach, political and legal arguments itself. Hence, from this aspect ...