Competition Commission of India commissions Market Studies/Research Projects as a part of its advocacy mandate. Since inception of the research study programme in 2003-04, 19 studies have been commissioned till date, out of which, 13 are sector specific, covering, in general, the manufacturing, service, transport, energy, telecommunications, etc. and the remaining relate to conceptual issues in competition economics, law and policy.

Market Studies/Research Projects have been commissioned with a view to:
(i) Gain insight into the structure of various sectors of the market and the business practices prevailing therein; (ii) Assist the Commission in its role of undertaking competition advocacy and public awareness and training. The studies/research projects could help in generating greater awareness about competitive issues and anti-competitive practices; (iii) Identify policies and practices of Central and State Governments and Statutory Authorities that are having appreciable adverse effect on competition in markets in India; and (iv) Building capacity in the area of competition law and policy for researchers.

Findings of the research studies undertaken are expected to create strong public opinion in favour of eliminating anti-competitive practices prejudicial to the interest of trade, industry, commerce, and customers. These would be of immense help to the Commission’s advocacy programme for stakeholders like various departments of the central and state governments and the sectoral regulators.