Is Corporate Concentration the Solution?

It is established that income and wealth inequalities have increased since the 1980s, returning to their level of about 100 years ago. This trend is concomitant with a dynamic of concentration of enterprises which certainly contributes to this phenomenon by dispelling the effects of competition. Indeed, competition is a crucial element of capitalism: it promotes innovation and growth, the diffusion of economic power and ensures political freedom. This concentration is not limited to technological giants alone, but extends towards the most traditional sectors, such as rail transport for example.

This movement went hand in hand with the relaxation, if not abandonment, of the antitrust policy pursued since the 1930s. To curb it, the solution could be to return to the roots of capitalism, by reinforcing competition so that regulations serve society, instead of protecting big existing players. But if the competition authorities do not appear to lack any power, it seems that their analysis software is incomplete or outdated. None of the technological giants could thus be dethroned without the intervention of the government, while their economic models are able to influence the very nature of capitalism. How can this new ecosystem be established on a fair and transparent basis? What foundations, what new methods will have to be devised for instruments to preserve competition?