konkurrenspress

konkurrenspress (competitive pressure) denotes the external forces exerted by competitors and market conditions that constrain a firm's behavior and profitability. In Swedish economics and business literature, konkurrenspress describes how rivalry shapes strategic choices such as pricing, product development, and efficiency improvements.

It arises from several drivers: rivalry among existing firms, the threat of new entrants, the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, substitute products, and broader macro factors such as technology and regulation. In many sources the concept is linked to Porter’s five forces and industry dynamism, and it can be observed in pricing, product features, quality, service levels, and speed of innovation.

Firms respond by improving efficiency, cutting costs, innovating, differentiating their offerings, or changing business models. Strong konkurrenspress tends to compress profit margins, accelerate productivity, and reallocate resources toward high-value activities; but it can also discourage long‑term investment if it becomes unsustainably intense.

Researchers measure konkurrenspress using indicators such as market concentration, profitability relative to costs (Lerner index), price margins, entry and exit rates, and rates of product or process innovation. Case studies analyze how mergers, regulatory changes, or market openings alter the level of competitive pressure.

While competition is a central driver of efficiency, excessive focus on konkurrenspress may overlook beneficial collaboration, standardization, and network effects. Policy considerations include maintaining healthy competition while ensuring consumer protection and incentives for investment.