Netzökonomie

The network economy provides the microeconomic tools for analyzing network sectors such as telecommunications, aviation, rail and road transport, or energy supply. Both on the cost side (economies of scale and scope) and on the benefit side (positive and negative effects), there are network-specific characteristics that necessitate innovative competitive strategies for businesses. In order for network operators to survive economically, they must develop new pricing and investment strategies. From a competition policy perspective, a multitude of intriguing questions arise: In which sub-sectors of networks is competition viable? Where is the abuse of market power to be expected? What does the institutional division of labor between antitrust and regulatory authorities look like? The theoretical analyses are supplemented by numerous current case studies.