对话王先林：“内卷式”竞争本质是低效消耗战，破坏行业生态

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of "involutionary competition" in various industries, particularly in the platform economy, and the regulatory response to mitigate its negative effects through new laws and regulations [1][4][19]. Summary by Sections Involutionary Competition and Price Wars - Involutionary competition is characterized by low-price strategies leading to a race to the bottom, resulting in decreased profit margins and industry stagnation [5][6]. - Price wars, while appearing beneficial in the short term, can create long-term risks and harm the industry ecosystem, as seen in recent high-subsidy practices by food delivery platforms [4][8]. Market Dynamics and Strategic Considerations - Companies engage in price wars as a strategic choice to gain market share, often sacrificing profits for survival in a highly competitive environment [6][7]. - The phenomenon is exacerbated by market homogeneity and the pressure to maintain short-term profits, leading to a "prisoner's dilemma" where individual rational choices result in collective irrational outcomes [7][8]. Legal Framework and Regulatory Changes - New amendments to the Anti-Unfair Competition Law and the Price Law aim to curb malicious price competition and promote a shift from price wars to value competition [10][11]. - The revised laws introduce stricter regulations against below-cost pricing and coercive practices by platforms, aiming to protect smaller businesses and ensure fair competition [12][13]. Challenges in Implementation - Identifying below-cost pricing poses challenges due to hidden and dynamic costs in the platform economy, necessitating more precise regulatory measures [14]. - A multi-faceted governance system is required to ensure the effective implementation of these new regulations, combining legal frameworks, industry self-regulation, and technological support [15][16]. Future Directions for Competition - The transition from price competition to value competition is essential for sustainable industry growth, requiring collaboration among government, industry, and enterprises [17][19]. - It is crucial to distinguish between legitimate competition driven by innovation and harmful involutionary practices, ensuring that regulatory measures do not stifle healthy market dynamics [18][19].