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Course overview
In today's dynamic and complex global economy, understanding the intricacies of competition law enforcement has never been more critical. Our Executive Education Programme offers high-level insights into the evolving field of competition law, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and influence regulatory landscapes.
The course will explore the major public policy challenges that competition authorities worldwide confront and provide participants with a deep dive into the latest developments and case studies. Covering key industries like Big Tech and digital ecosystems, healthcare, agriculture technology, creative industries and other economic sectors, the programme emphasises both traditional and emerging competition concerns, such as pricing and output, innovation, sustainability, and privacy. It also examines the interaction of competition law with digital regulation (e.g. EU Digital Markets Act, EU Data Act, AI Act, the European Health Data Space [EHDS], the UK Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act).
Key areas of the course include:
- The impact of new technologies on competition law and the evolving legal frameworks.
- A polycentric and complexity science-driven approach to competition law enforcement, encouraging critical engagement with multiple perspectives.
- Insights into the roles of mergers, unilateral conduct, and cooperative practices.
- Real-world case studies from leading jurisdictions including the EU, the US, and BRICS nations.
- Computational competition law and economics, showcasing the role of computational analysis and AI in shaping the future of competition law enforcement.
This course is designed to not just inform but also to challenge conventional thinking, fostering a deeper understanding of how competition law adapts to the rapid changes in a technology-driven and complex economy.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, students will:
- Develop the ability to critically analyse principles and methodologies of competition law enforcement.
- Gain advanced knowledge of various policy approaches to competition cases, engaging with a broad range of perspectives.
- Understand the dynamic application of competition law to technological advancements, particularly in digital ecosystems.
- Master the fundamentals of computational competition law and economics, including the use of technology (AI) to enhance enforcement accuracy.
- Acquire a critical understanding of the modern digital economy and how it is regulated.
Who is this course for?
This programme will appeal to:
- Policy-makers and officials from competition authorities.
- Lawyers, economic consultants, and data scientists involved in competition law enforcement in either the public or private sectors.
Benefits for you
- Expert Insight: Engage directly with leading academic minds and practitioners in the field of competition law, offering real-world perspectives on landmark cases and policy shifts.
- Practical Application: Equip yourself with tools and methodologies that can be applied to both day-to-day decision-making and strategic initiatives.
- Network Growth: Collaborate and connect with a global cohort of professionals, creating valuable long-term partnerships within the industry.
- Critical Thinking: Foster a more nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors influencing competition law, ensuring you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
Benefits for your organisation
- Enhanced Compliance: Ensure your organisation remains compliant with the latest competition law developments, reducing the risk of fines or litigation.
- Strategic Advantage: Gain insights that help your business navigate competition challenges, from mergers and acquisitions to collaborative practices.
- Innovation & Sustainability: Equip your team with the knowledge to engage with competition law issues that focus on innovation, sustainability, and emerging markets.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage the latest advancements in computational competition law to make informed decisions that drive growth while adhering to legal frameworks.
- By attending this course, your organisation will not only strengthen its internal legal and policy expertise but will also be better positioned to compete and thrive in a complex global economy.
Content
- Key topics
Day One
- State of play of competition law enforcement: the key issues of the past year
- The law and economics of competition in digital ecosystems
- Case studies on digital mergers
Day Two
- Digital antitrust
- Case studies on abuse of dominant position (exclusionary conduct)
- Case studies on abuse of dominant position (exploitative conduct)
- EU and UK Digital regulation (DMA, DSA, Data Act, AI Act, EHDS, DMCC): interactions with competition law
Day Three
- Sustainability concerns in competition law enforcement (focus on the food value chain)
- Competition law and the Bioeconomy
- Healthcare and Pharmaceutical antitrust: new developments and critical perspectives
Day Four
- Competition Law in the era of AI
- Introduction to computational competition law and economics
- Course structure and assessments
Delegates will receive four hours of lectures/ seminars each day. There will therefore be a total of 16 hours of classroom teaching over the four days. There will be no assessment but delegates will receive a certificate of completion provided that they attend at least 12 hours (75%) of classes.
Teaching staff
Professor Ioannis Lianos
Ioannis is Chair of Global Competition Law and Public Policy at UCL and a member of the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal since 2024. He was President of the Hellenic Competition Commission (2019-2024) and chaired the Special Law Commission, leading to Greece’s 2022 competition law reform. Elected to the OECD Competition Committee Bureau (2021-2023), he also advises governments on competition and IP law. Lianos is the founding director of UCL’s Centre for Law, Economics and Society, edits major legal publications, and has held visiting professorships at top universities, including Sciences Po and NYU.
Honorary Professor Dr Cristina Caffarra
Cristina is Co-founder and Vice Chair of the Competition Research Policy Network at the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) in London. She also serves as an Honorary Professor at UCL Laws. A leading figure in competition economics, Cristina is known for her extensive work on antitrust matters and economic policy, advising on high-profile cases across Europe and globally. Her expertise spans competition, regulation, and digital markets, making her a key voice in shaping competition policy and enforcement worldwide.
Associate Professor Dr Despoina Mantzari
Despoina (Deni) is Associate Professor of Competition Law and Policy at UCL, co-directing the Centre for Law, Economics and Society. She holds a PhD and LL.M. from UCL and a law degree from the National University of Athens. Previously a lecturer at the University of Reading, her research spans competition law, behavioral economics, and regulatory discretion. She is an editor for key legal journals, general editor of LexisNexis’ *Competition Law of the European Union*, and author of a monograph on courts and economic evidence published by Oxford University Press.
Professor of Practice Dr Gonenc Gurkaynak
Gönenç is the founding partner of ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law, a prominent law firm in Istanbul, Turkey, comprising 95 lawyers. He graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Law in 1997 and was called to the Istanbul Bar in 1998. Gönenç earned his LL.M. from Harvard Law School and a PhD from UCL. With over 25 years of international legal experience, he previously worked with a global law firm in Istanbul, New York, and Brussels. Gönenç is a sought-after speaker on competition law and has published four books and over 80 articles in esteemed international law journals.
Dr Stavros Makris
Stavros is a Lecturer in Competition Law at UCL, joining in September 2024. He previously taught EU Competition Law and US Antitrust at Glasgow University, LSE, Wageningen University, and Sciences Po Paris. Stavros holds a law degree and a Master in Philosophy of Law from the University of Athens, and an LLM from UCL. He completed his PhD at the European University Institute (EUI). Stavros has advised the Hellenic Competition Commission and peer-reviewed for leading competition law journals.
There will be guest speakers from competition authorities, the judiciary and academia.