International Competition Network (ICN)/World Bank GroupWorld Bank Group Competition Advocacy Contest, 2019-20

Scholarship Description:

International Competition Network (ICN)/World Bank GroupWorld Bank Group Competition Advocacy Contest, 2019-20 is open for International Students . The scholarship allows Competition level programm(s) in the field of Law taught at . The deadline of the scholarship is .

PRO-COMPETITION SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX GLOBAL CHALLENGES
From the battle against corruption to digital inclusion

The International Competition Network (ICN) and the World Bank Group are pleased to announce the launch of the 2018 – 2019 Competition Advocacy Contest. This contest aims to highlight the key role competition agencies, sector regulators and other governmental bodies or non-governmental organizations play in promoting competition by showcasing their advocacy success stories.

Contest Details:

As defined by the ICN, competition advocacy refers to activities that promote a competitive environment through non-enforcement mechanisms, such as building relationships with government entities, increasing public awareness of competition’s benefits and identifying and removing anticompetitive policies and regulations.

We are looking for success stories from competition agencies, other public bodies or civil society that demonstrate the tangible results of competition advocacy regarding:

Theme 1: Understanding the effects of competition policy on poverty and inequality in both developing and developed countries

Increased competition can positively impact the welfare of less well-off households in their role as consumers, producers, and employees. However, the relationship between competition and poverty is complex and not always straightforward. Competition authorities and other relevant stakeholders may undertake advocacy initiatives to understand the effects of competition on inequality and poverty and to explain to the government and the public how competition policy can contribute to alleviate poverty and inequality.

Theme 2: Promoting competition as a tool to the fight against corruption and for an equal playing field among public and private players

Stronger market competition can be a powerful tool to fight corruption. Pro-competitive procurement rules in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and other rules that guarantee competitive neutrality can reduce the risk of corruption and avoid bid rigging. In addition to the clear links between the fight against bid rigging and corruption in tender processes, fierce competition gives competitors the incentive to monitor and report illegal behavior in their markets, including those associated with corruption.

Theme 3: Engaging with public and private stakeholders to better grasp competition challenges posed by fast changing market dynamics

Competition authorities can be proactive and promote activities, also together with public and private stakeholders, to learn about the use of big data, blockchain, machine learning, artificial intelligence, as well as implications of these new technologies in areas other than competition (e.g.,for labor markets) in the new gig-economy.

Theme 4: Promoting competitive digital infrastructure, digital platforms and digital finance

Services in the digital economy require competition at various levels of the value chain: at the infrastructure and enabling technology level (e.g. ICT), at the digital platform level and at the ultimate service sector level. Finance is a key service to foster economic development and digital finance is one of the sectors with many recent regulatory developments that could benefit from a pro-competition design.

How to Apply:

Competition agencies, sector regulators and other government and non-government bodies promoting competition policy are welcome to apply.

If you are a government body or non-governmental organization that is not a member of the ICN, you should reach out to the ICN member in your jurisdiction to inform about your intention to participate in the contest. A list of all ICN members is available here. Joint submissions from ICN members and governmental bodies or non-governmental organizations are encouraged.

Submitted stories must include:

• Summary;
• The competition issue under assessment;
• The strategy used to address the competition issue;
• The main messages and recommendations conveyed by the activity;
• The results of the initiative;
• The actual or expected socioeconomic impacts of the initiative.

Stories submitted to previous editions of the contest that were not awarded are eligible for resubmission.

Please contact Guilherme de Aguiar Falco with any questions at gfalco-at-worldbank.org.

APPLY ONLINE

Scholarship Link

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: January 18, 2019

Degree Level:

International Competition Network (ICN)/World Bank GroupWorld Bank Group Competition Advocacy Contest, 2019-20 is available to undertake Competition level programs at .

Available Subjects:

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• Law