Ateneo - UPO

The course examines competition among firms from the perspective of the Antitrust Authority, with the aim of ensuring that competition is not restricted in ways that reduce economic welfare.

Massimo Motta, Michele Polo
“Antitrust. Economia e politica della concorrenza”
Il Mulino, 2025

The course aims to provide knowledge of the economic models needed to understand competition policy. It examines modern oligopoly theory and the foundations of antitrust practice, which translates the insights of economic analysis into operational protocols, procedures and tests.

Basic knowledge of Microeconomics and Mathematics

In-person lectures.

Lecture slides will be made available to students. Everything explained during lectures will be examinable (regardless of the content of the textbook and slides). Topics not covered in lectures will not be examinable, even if they are covered in the textbook.

The written examination consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. Some questions may require solving simple exercises. Incorrect or missing answers receive zero points; correct answers receive 1.55 points, for a maximum of 31 points, corresponding to a grade of 30 with honours. The minimum passing score is 18.

1. A brief historical overview of antitrust practice
2. Review of the main concepts of microeconomics
3. Review and further study of game theory and oligopoly models
4. Market power and social welfare
5. The relevant market and the assessment of market power
6. Collusion
7. Horizontal mergers
8. Vertical restraints
9. Abusive practices

1) Knowledge and understanding.
At a post-secondary level, using advanced textbooks.

2) Applying knowledge and understanding.
Demonstrating analytical skills useful in professional contexts, developing and supporting arguments, and solving problems.

3) Making judgements.
Ability to collect and interpret relevant data to reach independent judgements of a technical, social and ethical nature.

4) Communication skills.
Although the examination format does not allow these skills to be assessed, students at master’s level who have assimilated the course concepts are expected to be able to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

5) Learning skills.
At a level that enables students to continue studying in the field with a high degree of autonomy