What is the Competition Policy and High-Tech markets course?

The European Commission has set the priority to eliminate barriers that prevent Europe from fully reaping the benefits of the internet and digital technologies. As the Commission itself has stated, online barriers mean citizens miss out on goods and services, internet companies and start-ups have their horizons limited, and businesses and governments see immense foregone benefits in terms of competitiveness and productivity.

The Competition Policy and High-Tech Markets course serves for participants to understand how competition policy can be an effective tool to further the objective of a Digital Single Market in the European Union, promoting competitive markets, fostering innovation and generally enhancing market efficiency to the benefits of European consumers.

By attending the course, participants will discuss and gradually understand the power that competition policy can have as a transformative tool, prohibiting conduct that raises online barriers between different EU Member States, reviewing mergers or acquisition that could further strengthen market power on new technologies or ensure that companies do not use their dominance to reduce interoperability with a view to restrict competition. Moreover, participants will discuss the role of algorithms in cartels and in abuse of dominance cases, as well as the treatment of online markets in merger control.

This course also deals with antitrust and Intellectual Property, examining the latest cases and how antitrust enforcers should ensure that the application of competition law to IP rights does not result in affording less protection to these rights, which are fundamental to ensure innovation and growth.

Which methodology is used?

The course will take place on Cisco Webex Training, which allows for a highly interactive online learning. Participants will be able to:

• See the trainers and their peers,
• Follow the lectures and presentations,
• Have access to interactive whiteboards,
• Take part in different activities in groups or together.

Moreover, they will be able to interact with trainers and other participants through a feedback panel, and Q&A and chat tools. All in all, it will create a unique virtual space for learning, networking and interaction.

High level experienced professionals lead participants through a curriculum based on the latest developments and trends of competition policy in high tech markets.

To enhance the experience, the online programme mixes regular classes, interactive sessions and a keynote speech/talk, which provide an ideal discussion platform between the participants and high-level experts from academia, industry and institutions. The programme is designed to be highly interactive. Active participation is required and a variety of workshops and case studies are scheduled. Networking opportunities are strongly encouraged throughout the course.

This would be granted through Webex Training, which allows the participants to work in break-out rooms and intervene in the common room at any moment. Virtual coffee breaks will be also possible for participants to interact between themselves and/ or with the trainer.

Different training methodologies are combined to guarantee a dynamic approach:

• Interactive training sessions on issues related to the Digital Single Market and competition matters;
• Workshops and case studies which will offer insights on the relation between competition law and the EU Digital Single Market;
• Group and individual practical exercises to consolidate knowledge and encourage discussion;
• Active online debates between lecturers and participants.

Why participate?

The course on Competition Policy and High-Tech Markets will enable participants to gain insights on the impact of competition policy on the EU Digital Single Market through interaction with prominent experts in the field.

Through this programme, participants will have an opportunity to:

• Analyse recent competition cases in different areas - online sales and big data and their practical implications on everyday work;
• Obtain cutting-edge advice and insights on how a relevant national authority can address the competition related issues in IT Markets;
• Enhance know-how on crucial aspects of the Digital Single Market, including big data and merger control, distribution in the digital age, etc.;
• Enjoy a unique opportunity to learn in a multicultural environment and extend their personal and professional networks;
• Receive a certificate from the College of Europe upon successful completion of the course.