对话黄少卿：“反内卷”首先要让地方政府别乱补了

Core Viewpoint - The root cause of "involution" competition lies not in industries or enterprises, but in the improper intervention of local governments in micro-level affairs [2][3]. Group 1: Government Intervention and Involution - The "anti-involution" policy will become a mainline policy in supply-side reforms starting from mid-2024, focusing on regulating local government and enterprise behavior [2]. - Local governments' selective industrial policies and various subsidies are significant drivers of market supply-demand imbalance, which is the essence of "involution" [3][16]. - The need for local governments to abandon selective industrial policies and restrict their micro-level interventions is emphasized as crucial for addressing "involution" [3][16]. Group 2: Economic Growth and Demand Management - China's GDP growth in the first half of the year showed resilience, but nominal GDP growth has slowed, with the second quarter's nominal GDP growth dropping to 3.9% [4]. - The nominal GDP growth is critical for enterprises, local governments, and households, as it directly impacts cash flow and financial health [4]. - Consumption should be the focal point for stimulating total demand, as insufficient consumption can hinder economic growth [5]. Group 3: Policy Recommendations for Consumption - Expanding the scope of consumption subsidies, such as including service consumption, is suggested to further stimulate demand [6]. - Issuing quasi-cash vouchers to residents is proposed as a viable option to enhance purchasing power and alleviate financial pressure on enterprises [6]. - Increasing the issuance of special government bonds to support financial institutions and improve liquidity for enterprises is recommended [6]. Group 4: Supply-Side Reforms and Long-Term Strategy - Supply-side reforms must continue alongside demand management to ensure sustainable economic growth [7]. - The experience of Japan in the 1980s highlights the importance of improving supply-side efficiency to complement demand-side stimulus [7]. - A shift in economic growth model towards innovation and technological advancement is necessary to address the root causes of demand insufficiency [8]. Group 5: Innovation and Market Dynamics - The distinction between Schumpeterian entrepreneurs, who drive original innovation, and Kirznerian entrepreneurs, who capitalize on market opportunities, is crucial for understanding market dynamics [9][10]. - The rapid entry of Kirznerian entrepreneurs, spurred by government subsidies, can lead to market saturation and reduced profitability for original innovators [11][12]. - The role of local governments in fostering competition can inadvertently stifle original innovation, as seen in various industries like photovoltaics and electric vehicles [11][14]. Group 6: Regulatory Framework and Market Competition - The need for a legal framework to constrain local government interventions is emphasized, as many interventions are self-assigned rather than mandated by central government [17]. - Market competition should be the primary mechanism for clearing inefficient capacities, rather than relying on administrative measures [18]. - The emergence of "trusts" or monopolistic behaviors in the market, as seen in historical contexts, necessitates stringent regulatory oversight to prevent anti-competitive practices [20].