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Journal of Modern Competition

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Vol 19, No 5 (2025)
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Competition policy

4-32 34
Abstract
The article examines the features of digital platforms as multilateral market structures that create conditions for the emergence and strengthening of network effects that influence the formation of market power of transactional marketplace platforms. The basic theories of the functioning of digital platforms are systematized, the features and specific nature of the platform interaction of counterparties on marketplaces are determined, and the features of managing the relationship system under the influence of emerging network effects are described. Sellers are highly dependent on the digital platform due to network effects and the consequences of their influence on the behavior of both consumers and sellers. Network effects are becoming the main source of competitive advantage, but at the same time create high barriers to entry for new entrants. The key characteristics of digital platforms that determine their impact on market participants and the need for specific regulation are highlighted. Typical violations of antimonopoly legislation in the activities of marketplaces in recent years have been analyzed and indicators of market power have been presented. Three main problem areas that fall within the scope of antimonopoly control are identified: unfair market behavior of seller sellers, abuse by the platform against seller sellers and other participants in platform interaction, the influence of external and internal network effects on behavioral decisions and actions of subjects of platform interaction and end consumers. The presented conclusions and suggestions can be used to improve the strategies of companies on marketplaces, as well as to develop regulatory and analytical tools that prevent the risks of antitrust enforcement.
33-50 32
Abstract
The article is devoted to the development of approaches to state regulation of commodity markets in order to stabilize prices during periods of price shocks. The authors systematize the measures of state regulation used in Russian and world practice to overcome price shocks, including foreign trade restrictions, fiscal measures, commodity and purchasing interventions. Particular attention is paid to the policy of development of the exchange segment of commodity markets as a potentially pro-competitive tool for improving market mechanisms, the emphasis on which is made by the FAS of Russia as part of achieving medium-term objectives of competition policy, trying to form a system of national price indicators. Following the ideology of regulatory impact assessment, the authors identify six key criteria for comparing alternatives of market regulation, including price stability, reliability of supply, minimization of costs for the state budget and transaction costs for market participants, support for domestic industries, and technological capabilities. According to these criteria, the authors compare ten main alternatives. They come to the conclusion that the establishment of a system of price indicators that allow for the prompt and reasonable application of antitrust response measures shows a good balance of benefits and costs, but these indicators should not be universally reduced to exchange quotations. Exchange pricing alone does not necessarily ensure price stability, can create additional costs for market participants by disrupting long-term supply chains, and is not always justified by the characteristics of commodities. Alternative mechanisms – damper, interventions, export bans – may be better in terms of rapid stabilization, but they bring negative effects in terms of incentives for producers and/or burdens on the state budget.

Sectoral Competitiveness

51-65 24
Abstract
This article examines the managerial component of pursuing an active industrial policy as a key factor in national competitiveness amidst the transformation of the global economic order. A comparative analysis of three waves of Russian industrialization (imperial, Soviet, and modern) identifies universal managerial mechanisms and time-management aspects of coordinating government and business efforts to enhance the competitiveness of domestic industry. It is argued that the success of industrialization is determined not only by financial investments and government support measures, but also, to a significant extent, by the government's ability to focus "managerial attention", make rapid decisions, effectively manage participation in global competition, and create effective institutions for coordinating efforts with business.
66-89 33
Abstract
In recent years, the regulatory environment for the oil industry and fuel markets in Russia has undergone regular changes, leading to increased uncertainty for businesses. These changes have been exacerbated by the implementation of a large-scale tax maneuver, including the elimination of export duties and the introduction of a dampening mechanism. Additionally, periodic bans on the export of petroleum products have added to the complexity of the regulatory landscape. The aim of this research was to formulate recommendations for enhancing the efficiency of competition and industry policy interactions within the Russian oil sector. To this end, we identified and analyzed the key mechanisms of competition and industry policies in this field, examined discrete institutional alternatives for their combination in countries analogous to Russia, and formulated proposals for reform. In order to alleviate the financial burden on the federal budget and promote balanced development of the Russian oil industry, it is essential to move towards a more liberalized system of fuel price regulation. This entails gradually phasing out the current system of price dampening and restricting retail fuel prices, as these measures hinder competition in the sector. To achieve this goal, targeted subsidies may be introduced for the most disadvantaged segments of society in remote regions. Additionally, a policy may be implemented to revise fuel excise rates and promote the development of alternative energy sources for export. Furthermore, the government could increase investment allowances for oil companies to encourage them to invest in innovative technologies and infrastructure. This study contributes to the ongoing debate on competition and industrial policies in resource-based economies. The findings of this research can be utilized by government officials in formulating regulations for the oil industry with the aim of promoting sustainable development.

Entrepreneurship practice in a competitive environment

90-107 36
Abstract
In this article the author defines the aspects of regulating the country's economic security at the legislative level. In particular, the risks of information security of the country are considered as one of the key elements of the system in the modern world, which is supported by statistical data. In addition, based on a literature review, the main approaches to defining the concept of "economic security of an enterprise" presented in the works of scientists are considered and compared. Based on the results of this stage, the author proposes an understanding of the term as a provision of maximum security of an organization, ensured by the regular use of pre-developed and approved comprehensive methods of legal, organizational, financial, technical and informational nature aimed at detecting and subsequently preventing threats (or risks) in order to increase the level of competitiveness and efficiency of a particular enterprise. The second part of the study analyzes the main threats that currently exist at enterprises in the Russian Federation and proposes their classification using two easily controlled criteria in practice: by the area of origin and in relation to human actions. The main general scientific methods used in the study are literature analysis, classification, description and generalization, various graphical methods are also used to visualize information. The results of this study are of practical importance, since they will be used by the author at the final stage of the work when developing a set of effective strategies, policies and measures for managing economic security at Russian enterprises. A well-organized system of economic security at an enterprise allows increasing its competitiveness.

Digital business transformation

108-123 30
Abstract
This article examines the specifics of business digitalization processes through the lens of the national project "Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State". The relevance of this study stems from the need to overcome systemic barriers to the digital transformation of business in Russia and strengthen its role within government initiatives. The article substantiates that, despite the stated goals, there is a gap between national projects and the actual needs of businesses, and also notes the limitations of the indicators used to assess digitalization. Furthermore, the authors highlight key challenges of the current situation: insufficient funding, a shortage of qualified personnel, resistance to change, and a lack of trust in digital technologies. The methodological basis of the study includes a combination of scientific methods (axiomatic reasoning, theorization, abstraction, classification, modeling, and systematization), which allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the conceptual framework of "business digitalization" from the perspective of scientific, normative, systemic, conceptual, and functional approaches. The authors conclude that the national project "Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State" in its current form is insufficiently focused on directly supporting business processes. The novelty of this study lies in the development of a specific system of proposals for integrating business into the national project. The findings include a step-by-step action plan that includes assessing the current state of digitalization, gathering business needs, launching pilot programs, implementing investment tax deductions, and developing a system of regional performance indicators. The study's findings emphasize the need to shift the focus from creating general conditions to targeted support for business digital transformation through the proposed measures, which will contribute to achieving the national project's goals.

The issues of theory

124-137 30
Abstract
The article examines the evolution of platform-competition models, their theoretical underpinnings, principal developmental milestones, and contemporary challenges. Special emphasis is placed on the historical progression – from the early ideas of reducing transaction costs and the intermediary role to the first formal approaches to two-sided markets. The core concepts that underpin platform theory are described, including direct and cross-side network effects, information-asymmetry theories, and nonlinear pricing models. Subsequent sections analyze the stages of formalization: the emergence of the first pricing and multi-homing models, empirical studies of network effects in print compendia, and the expansion of the analytical framework for the study of platform markets. In the review of recent research, new models are considered that incorporate user loyalty, the dynamics of entrant competition, and an arbitrary number of platforms. Key limitations of existing approaches are identified: universal assumptions of agent symmetry and environmental homogeneity, insufficient empirical validation, and the neglect of sectoral and national specificities. It is argued that these shortcomings diminish the models’ practical relevance and may lead to misguided recommendations for regulators and industry. The necessity of shifting from the development of standalone models to the creation of modular frameworks with extensible components – market structure, pricing, multi-homing, and other modules reflecting national and sectoral particularities – is substantiated. An integrative approach is proposed, embedding empirical validation at every modelling stage and actively employing interdisciplinary methods (machine learning, statistical analysis, network analysis). Such a methodology would ensure model adaptability to real-world conditions and enhance the quality of strategic decision-making in the regulation and management of digital platforms.

Bibliography

138-143 26
Abstract
This review of the monograph "Teaching Entrepreneurship in Secondary School" highlights the main themes and objectives, provides a brief overview of the monograph's contents, and assesses the publication's place and significance. This work can rightfully be considered one of the most comprehensive and comprehensive studies in this field, as it provides both an accessible exposition of theoretical concepts of entrepreneurship, essential for shaping the worldview of young entrepreneurs, and a presentation of very specific practical results and recommendations for training entrepreneurs from the school bench. Another advantage of the monograph is its systematic recommendations for conducting the training process for teachers and instructors in secondary schools and colleges. The authors publish a wide range of practical teaching tools designed specifically for this area of entrepreneurship education for high school students. In particular, the book contains a very detailed exposition of specific specialized training programs, such as "Business without investments", which will undoubtedly find practical application in the educational programs of individual schools and colleges. This monograph should be considered a fundamental document for the entire modern field of teaching entrepreneurship as a profession.


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ISSN 1993-7598 (Print)
ISSN 2687-0657 (Online)