Konkurrensarbete

Konkurrensarbete is a Swedish term used to describe an academic assignment or research project focused on competition-related issues. It is commonly employed in higher education, particularly within programs in economics, business administration, and law, to develop students’ ability to perform independent analysis and to apply theory to real-world questions about market competition.

The work typically aims to examine topics within competition policy and practice, such as antitrust enforcement, merger control, cartels, regulation of markets, state aid, digital platforms, and consumer welfare. Topics may be theoretical or empirical and can include case studies, policy analysis, or analyses of market structure and behavior.

In most contexts, konkurrensarbete is supervised by a faculty member and follows a formal process that mirrors other academic theses. Students usually begin with a problem formulation and a literature review, proceed to choose an appropriate methodology, present an analysis, and conclude with findings and policy or practice implications. The assignment may be presented in a seminar or defended orally, and it is assessed by examiners according to program-specific criteria.

Methodologically, konkurrensarbete can employ theoretical modeling, qualitative analysis, econometric methods, or mixed approaches. Data sources may include public statistics, regulatory decisions from authorities such as competition agencies, court rulings, firm-level data, and academic literature.

The term is used to distinguish a competition-focused scholarly endeavor from broader theses or essays. It serves to prepare students for professional work in policy, advisory roles, or industry by developing analytical rigor, evidence-based reasoning, and an understanding of the implications of competition law and policy.