Professional Development Seminar: Stephen King

Technological disruption and competition policy.

New technology, based on platforms (such as Uber and credit cards), internet intermediation (such as Hotels.com) and personal data (such as personalized internet pricing and advertising) raise numerous economic questions. This seminar will consider the interaction between technology, economics and competition policy by addressing some of these questions.

1. What are two-sided markets and why do they matter for competition and policy?
2. How is technology and individualised data changing pricing and is this good for consumers?
3. Are our regulatory systems adjusting to new technology?

Biography

Stephen King is a Commissioner at Australia’s Productivity Commission and an adjunct Professor at Monash University. Prior to joining the Productivity Commission in July 2016, Stephen was a Member of the Western Australian Economic Regulation Authority, a Member of the National Competition Council and Professor of Economics at Monash University.

Stephen’s main areas of expertise are in competition economics, regulation and industrial organization. He received the University Medal from ANU for his undergraduate studies in Economics. He also has a Masters in Economics from Monash University and a PhD from Harvard University. Stephen is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia.