wettbewerbsfördernde

Wettbewerbsfördernde is a German attributive participle meaning promoting or fostering competition. It is commonly used with nouns such as Maßnahmen, Politik, Regulierung, or Strukturen to describe actions or frameworks designed to increase competitive pressures in markets rather than to shield incumbents.

In policy and economics, the term designates measures intended to enhance market contestability and efficiency. Goals include lower prices, greater variety, improved innovation, and better consumer welfare through expanding options and reducing barriers to entry.

Common examples of wettbewerbsfördernde Maßnahmen include deregulation to ease market entry, liberalization of previously restricted sectors, regulatory access rules that require networks to be open to third parties, standardization and interoperability that prevent vendor lock-in, transparent and competitive public procurement, and robust antitrust enforcement to deter monopolistic practices.

In practice, wettbewerbsfördernde policy is central to competition policy (Wettbewerbspolitik) in German-speaking countries and the European Union. It intersects with regulatory reform, industrial policy, and consumer protection. Benefits are higher efficiency and dynamic markets, while potential drawbacks include transition costs, regulatory uncertainty during reform, and the risk of unintended effects if rules unduly favor certain entrants.

The term is often contrasted with measures aimed at protecting incumbents or restricting competition. It underscores a pro-competitive orientation in laws, regulations, and government actions.