Kilpailuneutraliteetti

Kilpailuneutraliteetti, or competition neutrality, is a principle in public policy and economics that aims to ensure fair competition between state-owned or publicly funded entities and private businesses. The core idea is to prevent publicly funded organizations from having an unfair advantage over their private sector competitors due to their public ownership or subsidies. This is often achieved by requiring public entities to operate on a level playing field, meaning they should incur the same costs and face the same regulations as private firms.

This principle is particularly relevant in sectors where public bodies might operate, such as utilities, transport, or broadcasting. Without competition neutrality, public entities could leverage their access to government funding, tax exemptions, or preferential treatment to offer lower prices or better services than private companies, thereby distorting the market. Implementing competition neutrality involves measures like ensuring public entities pay taxes, account for the cost of capital, and are subject to the same regulatory frameworks as private businesses. The goal is to promote efficiency, innovation, and consumer choice by fostering an environment where the best performing entities, regardless of ownership, can succeed. This principle is often a part of broader efforts to liberalize markets and enhance economic efficiency.