Competition is essential for keeping markets competitive, products and services developing and improving, and providing people with different options when it comes to the products they want to buy.
Competition was a major part of capitalism when it gained prominence in the 18th century. At the time, the lack of competition allowed the wealthy owners of land, resources, and businesses to maintain control over the economy. This often caused prices and wages to remain low and led to a lack of progress.
In modern times, competition is seen as a key part of fostering innovation, creating an environment of efficiency, and driving down prices. There are a few different types of competition that can exist between companies or products.
First, there is horizontal competition, which is competition for the same type of product. Companies engage in price wars and advertising campaigns to attract customers to their products. This type of competition can be beneficial for the consumer, as it drives prices down.
Second, there is vertical competition, which is competition between different types of products that serve the same function. For example, when a consumer is looking for a laptop, they could choose between an Apple laptop, a Windows laptop, or a Chromebook. This type of competition results in innovation as companies look for ways to differentiate their products from their competitors.
Third, there is oligopolistic competition, which is when a few large companies control a majority of the market, such as the oil industry. This can cause prices to remain high, as the companies may collude to keep them high and the competition limited.
Finally, there is international competition, which is when companies compete on the global stage. This can be beneficial to consumers, as it can result in increased technological innovation, lower prices, and higher quality products.
Ultimately, competition leads to better products and services, lower prices, and increased innovation. It is an essential part of a healthy economy and should be encouraged in order to ensure that consumers have access to the best products and services that are available to them.