Konkurrenzintensität

Konkurrenzintensität refers to the intensity of competition within an industry or market. It is a key concept in strategic management and industrial economics, most notably developed by Michael Porter in his Five Forces framework. High Konkurrenzintensität means that competition among existing firms is fierce, leading to potentially lower profits for all. Conversely, low Konkurrenzintensität suggests a more favorable market environment with less rivalry.

Several factors contribute to the level of Konkurrenzintensität. These include the number and size of competitors, industry growth rate, exit barriers, product differentiation, and fixed costs. When there are many competitors of similar size, or when the industry is growing slowly, competition tends to be more intense. High fixed costs can also drive up competition as firms may try to spread these costs over larger sales volumes by lowering prices. If products are undifferentiated, price becomes the primary competitive weapon, further increasing intensity.

The strategic implications of Konkurrenzintensität are significant. Firms operating in highly competitive industries must develop strategies to differentiate their products, reduce costs, or find niche markets to survive and thrive. Understanding and analyzing Konkurrenzintensität is crucial for businesses to assess the attractiveness of an industry and to formulate effective competitive strategies. It helps in identifying potential threats and opportunities and in making informed decisions about market entry, investment, and resource allocation.