The Nature of Services and the Implications for Competition Policy

Abstract

Though 'services' is a very broad concept and any generalisations should be made with caution it is widely acknowledged that services differ from goods in many respects. Analyses of key elements of market structure conduct and performance and the interface between these elements show us that competition in services markets is equally distinctive. We find that traditional competition policy instruments generally do not reflect competition and performance in most services markets. Alternative policy measures should recognise the importance and disciplining power of non-price competition and the fact that quality and reputation are the main variables in services competition.