The Centrality of Rivalry

The aim of this article is to argue that the old-fashioned idea of rivalry remains central to the concept of effective competition and, in turn, to the promotion of the competitive process. Rivalry was the core meaning of competition among the early economists. The concern with vigorous, sustained actual rivalry may have been lost sight of, but it ought not to have been. Rivalry cannot of course be the exhaustive focus for many other factors and influences affect the level of effective competition. But a searching rivalry inquiry provides a valuable initial screen. By reemphasizing the primacy of rivalry, we may also foster the ability of competition law to act not just as a key driver of economic efficiency and growth, but also as a pro-democratic vehicle to check powerful private centers of economic power.

Smartization in Gatchina

In the paper, a case of a Russian town Gatchina is examined to find the reasonable balance between international Smart City practice, governmental requirements, historical identity preservation and human-oriented approach. The article focuses on the democratic urban design of a public space. The project included qualitative and quantitative research; three project sessions with local inhabitants; preparation of an architectural project based on the collected data. During the design process, organizers faced two types of challenges: economic (shortage of funding) and communication issues (difficulties with informing and recruiting the citizens for the project sessions; underrepresentativeness of some target groups; etc.), whereby the latter dominate. Nevertheless, the project was effective; it showed that such towns can afford Smart City (though by separate projects only), and that collaboration with the citizens contributes to both history and culture preservation and effective competition in federal grants for Smart City development.

Smartization in Gatchina

In the paper, a case of a Russian town Gatchina is examined to find the reasonable balance between international Smart City practice, governmental requirements, historical identity preservation and human-oriented approach. The article focuses on the democratic urban design of a public space. The project included qualitative and quantitative research; three project sessions with local inhabitants; preparation of an architectural project based on the collected data. During the design process, organizers faced two types of challenges: economic (shortage of funding) and communication issues (difficulties with informing and recruiting the citizens for the project sessions; underrepresentativeness of some target groups; etc.), whereby the latter dominate. Nevertheless, the project was effective; it showed that such towns can afford Smart City (though by separate projects only), and that collaboration with the citizens contributes to both history and culture preservation and effective competition in federal grants for Smart City development.

Final reflections

‘Final reflections’ explains that as the understanding of markets and economic theory evolves, so does the application of competition law. With changing market and socio-political realities, these challenges become apparent. We need to consider the rise of digital markets and the threat of climate change, and assess the effect they have on the enforcement of competition and antitrust laws. What is the right formulation of competition policy? The key to effective competition law enforcement lies not in the pretence of purity or certainty, but in an open and informed debate on the law and economics, and the society to which we aspire.

How competitive is the Canadian residential broadband market? A study of Canadian internet service providers and their regulatory environment

This paper offers a detailed assessment of the state of competition in the Canadian residential broadband market. After examining barriers to entry, the nature of rivalry in pricing and services, and the extent to which competitors can develop a sustainable position in the market, it concludes that the Canadian market does not foster effective competition. Canadian consumers do not have access to a range of differentiated services, and there is little innovation in the market. The paper offers some suggestions on ways to increase competitiveness in the broadband market, and concludes that changes to the current market structure are required to enable the development of more innovative broadband services in Canada.

How competitive is the Canadian residential broadband market? A study of Canadian internet service providers and their regulatory environment

This paper offers a detailed assessment of the state of competition in the Canadian residential broadband market. After examining barriers to entry, the nature of rivalry in pricing and services, and the extent to which competitors can develop a sustainable position in the market, it concludes that the Canadian market does not foster effective competition. Canadian consumers do not have access to a range of differentiated services, and there is little innovation in the market. The paper offers some suggestions on ways to increase competitiveness in the broadband market, and concludes that changes to the current market structure are required to enable the development of more innovative broadband services in Canada.

Benefit-Driven Approach to Writing for the Internet

There is a dual challenge for writing content for the internet: conquering search engines and attracting the attention of target audiences. This chapter proposes a content planning and development approach with a triple focus: main keyword power, target audience, and benefit provided. It argues that keyword power, given by its search volume and effective competition level, provides only an incomplete starting point for creating valuable content, as content effectiveness will ultimately depend on the benefit provided for the target audience. A benefit-driven approach to writing valuable and optimized content is particularly interesting for increasing reach, interaction, and involvement, thus being recommended for inbound and content marketing strategies. The phases of benefit-driven content writing are described, from keyword choice to the main optimization procedures.

150 The effect of competition for an automated supplement feeder on supplement intake behavior of stocker steers

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of competition for a feeding space at an automated supplement feeder on supplement intake behavior. A 2 yr study was conducted; each yr, 128 mixed-breed beef steers (n = 256, initial BW = 245 ± 27.5 kg) were randomly assigned to 8 paddocks. One paddock each yr (n = 16 steers) was selected to have continuous access to the feeder for the duration of the 16 wk trial; this paddock was designated the “tester” paddock. The automated feeder had 4 feeding stations that dispensed supplement after eligible animal’s RFID tags were read by the electronics of the feeder. Steers were limited to 0.50 kg supplement/d. Weekly, additional paddocks were commingled with the tester paddock to increase competition for the feeder. This resulted in a stocking density from 4 to 32 steers per feeding station. For yr 2, one feeding station was disabled, resulting in a stocking density of 5.3 to 42.7 steers per feeding station. Approximately 31% of the steers did not voluntarily use the feeder; therefore, effective competition was less than the study design. Mean weekly supplement intake and GPS location were recorded for steers in the tester paddock. Additionally, pedometer data were collected in yr 2. Weekly mean supplement intake and time spent near the feeder were regressed on actual feeder stocking density with yr as a random variable; wk was the experimental unit (n = 16 wk). Tester steers consumed an average of 0.27 kg supplement/d. Competition for a feeding station numerically reduced (P = 0.01) supplement intake by 5 g/d per steer of additional competition. Steers spent 4.4% of the time within 15 m of the feeder regardless of competition (P = 0.54). As competition increased, steers took more steps (P < 0.01). These data illustrate that in environments similar to this experiment, the feeder can be stocked with at least 20 animals per feeding station with minimal effects on supplement intake.