内卷的解药不是涨价

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of business competition from price-cutting strategies to concerns about "low-price internal competition," highlighting the negative impact of relentless price reductions on quality, profitability, and employee wages [3][4][5]. Group 1: Price Dynamics and Market Structure - The article argues that the decline in prices is often a result of increased market scale and fragmented market structures, where larger production volumes lead to lower costs [15][16]. - It cites the example of air purifiers, where the average price dropped by 34% while production increased by 53% from 2016 to the present, indicating that market expansion drives price reductions [17]. - The competitive landscape in the air conditioning market has shifted from chaotic price wars to a stable oligopoly, with major players like Midea establishing dominance [25][22]. Group 2: Value Creation and Consumer Behavior - The article emphasizes that true consumption upgrades occur when previously unaffordable products become accessible to a broader audience, rather than merely shifting from one premium product to another [36][35]. - It highlights that the real challenge lies in creating new value beyond raw materials and production processes, which is essential for sustainable economic growth [40][41]. - The success of brands like Nvidia and Prada is attributed to their ability to create significant added value through design, innovation, and branding, rather than relying solely on manufacturing efficiencies [44][51]. Group 3: Labor and Productivity - The article posits that escaping low-price competition requires improving labor productivity rather than eliminating low-cost goods [54]. - Historical examples, such as Ford's introduction of assembly lines, illustrate how technological advancements can drastically reduce production time and costs, benefiting both consumers and producers [55][56]. - The narrative suggests that societal progress is linked to recognizing and rewarding individual skills and knowledge, which can lead to higher market valuations for products and services [61][67].