Konkurransemiddel

Konkurransemiddel is a term used in Norwegian policy and legal contexts to denote any instrument or measure designed to promote or safeguard competition in markets. It encompasses tools that can be deployed by public authorities, regulators, or private actors to increase competitive pressure, lower entry barriers, or deter anti-competitive conduct. It is a broad category rather than a single defined instrument.

Examples of konkurransemidler include competitive procurement procedures such as open tendering to obtain better price and quality; regulatory or policy measures that secure access to essential facilities or networks on non-discriminatory terms; standards or interoperability measures that reduce switching costs and prevent vendor lock-in; transparency and information-disclosure requirements that level the information field; and enforcement or preventive actions against anti-competitive practices such as cartels, abuse of dominance, or mergers that threaten competition.

The use of konkurransemidler is embedded in competition policy and guided by principles of proportionality, non-discrimination, and efficiency. While these instruments aim to promote competition, they may be challenged if perceived to distort market incentives or impose excessive burden. In practice, konkurransemidler are discussed within the broader framework of Konkurranseloven (the competition act) and competition policy, with the goal of fostering dynamic efficiency, innovation, and consumer welfare.