Statement by the Secretary General at a regular press conference (March 27, 2024)

(Recent Initiatives of the Competition Policy Research Center (CPRC))

Today, I would like to explain the following recent major initiatives of the Competition Policy Research Center (CPRC):
(1) discussion papers, (2) study groups, (3) symposiums and (4) lectures.

First, the publication of discussion papers has been an initiative since the inception of the CPRC, in which academic experts present the results of their research activities on cutting-edge issues related to competition policy under their own name and responsibility as authors. To date, the CPRC has published 98 discussion papers, including one regarding "The formation and expansion of ecosystems by digital platform companies."
Second, in order to discuss issues concerning competition policy, the CPRC convenes study groups consisting of experts, and compiles and publishes reports on specific topics that are advanced or of high importance, which serves as a kind of policy recommendation. For example, the "Guidelines Concerning the Activities of Enterprises, etc. Toward the Realization of a Green Society Under the Antimonopoly Act" published in March 2023 refers to the contents of the reports of the "Study Group on Business Alliances" and the "Study Group on Data and Competition Policy."
Third, symposiums are held regularly as public events to serve as hubs for exchanging views between Japan and overseas regarding competition policy and to enhance understanding of competition policy. These symposiums bring together competition officials and experts from both Japan and overseas to cover the most advanced and important issues and topics of interest in competition policy. For example, we covered the metaverse in last year, and we held the 6th Osaka Symposium on generative AI on March 15.
Last, the CPRC holds seminars and Brown Bag Lunch Meetings mainly for our officials as an activity to enhance their ability and knowledge through advanced discussions. Some materials for lectures can be found on the CPRC web page (CPRC Seminars, BBL).
The CPRC was established in June 2003 and celebrated its 20-year anniversary last June. After 20 years, Japan's society and economy are in the midst of rapid and global changes, including digitalization, and the social environment surrounding the JFTC is changing drastically. Under these circumstances, we will continue to disseminate our research results both internally and externally, and to hold symposiums on cutting-edge topics in order to discuss, examine, and share issues concerning competition policy.

（Tentative translation）

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