陆铭专栏丨综合整治平台经济“内卷式”竞争

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges posed by "involutionary" competition in the platform economy, particularly in the food delivery sector, highlighting the need for regulatory intervention to promote healthy competition and sustainable development [2][3][4]. Group 1: Current State of Competition - The rapid expansion of the platform economy has led to practices such as "choose one from two" and price wars, resulting in resource waste and unhealthy competition [2]. - Since April 2025, a new round of subsidy and price wars has emerged in the food delivery sector, affecting over 10 million delivery riders and involving millions of restaurants, making it a priority for regulatory action against "involution" [2][3]. Group 2: Impact on Industry Stakeholders - The reliance on high subsidies among platform companies has created a competitive environment that negatively impacts merchants, consumers, and delivery riders, leading to economic fluctuations and resource waste [4][5]. - Large brand merchants can absorb short-term low margins to gain market share, while small merchants face a dilemma of either matching subsidies or risking loss of visibility on platforms, potentially leading to closures [5][6]. Group 3: Long-term Sustainability Challenges - The current competition has led to irrational and homogeneous expansion in supply, particularly in the beverage sector, with a 37.5% increase in new openings in May 2025 compared to April [6]. - Continuous high subsidies are altering consumer price perceptions, leading to a cycle of low-price and low-quality offerings, which could harm the overall market and consumer trust [7][8]. Group 4: Recommendations for Healthy Development - Regulatory bodies are encouraged to implement measures to halt unfair competition driven by high subsidies, including penalties for platforms engaging in such practices [8][9]. - Strengthening the regulatory environment to combat false advertising and other market-distorting behaviors is essential for maintaining fair competition [9]. - Encouraging platforms to focus on innovation and global expansion rather than low-quality competition is vital for the long-term stability of the industry [9].