反内卷不是商量着“不卷”

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "involution" in various industries, such as photovoltaic, home appliances, automotive manufacturing, and internet services, leads to irrational competition characterized by price wars, subsidies, and resource consumption, ultimately harming long-term innovation and profitability [1][2]. Group 1: Involution and Its Consequences - Involution arises from an imbalanced competitive mechanism where companies sacrifice long-term benefits for short-term market share, leading to excessive competition and potential violations of antitrust laws [1][3]. - The coordination among companies to stabilize prices and prevent involution may lead to collusion risks, as discussions around pricing and production can breach antitrust regulations [2][4]. Group 2: Industry Responses and Risks - The photovoltaic industry has seen significant price fluctuations due to overcapacity, prompting leading companies to adopt self-regulatory strategies such as production cuts and the establishment of a platform for capacity consolidation [2][3]. - The formation of a platform for purchasing excess polysilicon capacity may inadvertently lead to price increases, raising concerns about potential violations of antitrust laws regarding horizontal agreements [3][4]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment and Compliance - Current legal frameworks present challenges for polysilicon companies attempting to justify capacity reductions under antitrust exemptions, as proving compliance with exemption conditions is complex [4][5]. - Regulatory authorities have highlighted the need for companies to avoid using "industry self-discipline" as a cover for collusion, emphasizing the importance of establishing robust antitrust compliance systems within organizations [4][6]. Group 4: Future Directions - To escape the involution trap, companies must shift focus from price competition to service and value, fostering a culture of compliance and innovation supported by national policies [6][7]. - Companies that proactively build compliance frameworks will gain competitive advantages, while those relying on low-price strategies may face significant risks of market exit under regulatory pressures [6][7].