Competition and regulation in professions and occupations
The regulation of occupations is widespread, extending beyond the liberal professions,
such as lawyers and engineers, to a broader set of other economic activities. Competition
authorities have long been active in improving competition in these markets, both
through enforcement action and by advocating to make regulation more pro-competitive.
This paper aims to support competition authorities’ advocacy efforts. It includes
an overview of the literature about the effects of regulation of professional services,
which competition authorities can draw on to advocate for the benefits of less restrictive
regulation where appropriate. The paper also brings together analytical frameworks
developed by the OECD and jurisdictions such as Australia, the US and EU to assess
regulatory barriers to competition. The paper further draws on case studies of advocacy
efforts from competition authorities across a range of OECD member countries.
Available from May 17, 2024
In series:OECD Roundtables on Competition Policy Papersview more titles