Consumer protection and competition policy (B03)

• Subject Area: Economic Policy, Applied Economics
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 326731373

We investigate the performance and design of regulatory policies aimed at improving consumer welfare and efficiency in product markets. First, we make methodological contributions by developing flexible oligopoly models and analyzing delegated-agency problems—essential building blocks for the study of competition policy and consumer protection. Second, we study merger control with a focus on merger screens, structural remedies, and innovation activity. Third, we study consumer protection, focusing on disclosure requirements, quality provision by franchisors and franchisees, choice overload, and markets with consumers holding inaccurate beliefs.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 224: Economic Perspectives on Societal Challenges: Equality of Opportunity, Market Regulation, and Financial Stability
• Applicant Institution: Universität Mannheim
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Daniel Krähmer; Professor Dr. Volker Nocke; Professor Nicolas Schutz, Ph.D., since 1/2022