This report focuses on various dimensions of corporate influence in competition policy, highlighting the benefits of legitimate corporate engagement, the risks when influence becomes undue and the challenges in distinguishing between the two. It outlines some key mechanisms through which influence can occur and potential responses that policymakers could employ to address the potential harms of undue influence while preserving the benefits of legitimate corporate engagement.

The potential for undue influence is particularly concerning in cases where market power enables firms to reinforce their political power, or in cases where the policy area is uncertain, such as in digital markets. Responses available to policymakers to help them minimise the risk of undue influence include transparency frameworks, prohibition policies and institutional integrity responses. 

The report identifies three main areas where the risks to competition policymaking are highest:

• Legislative and regulatory frameworks – competition laws and institutional structures.
• Enforcement policy – competition authority enforcement approaches or priorities.
• Public perception and policy discourse – narratives, evidence bases and research agendas that shape competition policy discourse.