konkurransenøytralitet

Konkurransenøytralitet, or competition neutrality, is a principle that aims to ensure that companies operating in the same market face similar conditions, regardless of their ownership structure or any potential state influence. The core idea is to prevent unfair advantages or disadvantages that might arise from the relationship between a company and the government. This principle is particularly relevant in sectors where state-owned enterprises (SOEs) compete with private companies.

The concept of competition neutrality advocates for equal treatment in areas such as taxation, regulation, access to finance, and procurement. If an SOE receives subsidies, preferential loans, or other forms of state support that are not available to private competitors, it can distort competition. Similarly, if an SOE is subject to less stringent regulations or benefits from a privileged position in government contracts, it undermines a level playing field.

Implementing competition neutrality often involves measures to increase the transparency of SOE operations, separate their commercial activities from their public service obligations, and ensure they operate on commercial terms. The goal is to foster a market where success is determined by efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction, rather than by the owner's identity. While the ideal of perfect competition neutrality can be challenging to achieve in practice, it serves as a guiding principle for promoting fair market competition and efficient resource allocation.