The Open Markets Institute works to help people relearn how to use competition policy to build stronger democracies, more just and equitable societies, more innovative and sustainable economies, and a more secure and peaceful world.
Launched as an independent organization in September 2017, Open Markets uses research and journalism to expose the dangers of monopolization, identifies changes in policy and law to address them, and educates policymakers, academics, movement groups, and other influential stakeholders to establish open, competitive markets that support a strong, just, and inclusive democracy. We focus especially closely on the new and growing threats that online “platform monopolies” pose to the free exchange of news, information, and ideas. Our team possesses deep expertise in how monopoly power distorts outcomes in major markets, ranging from the technology sector to agriculture to pharmaceuticals to transportation. Prior to 2017, the Open Markets Team spent eight years studying, speaking, and writing about the problem of market concentration as the Open Markets Program at New America.
By combining policy, legal, and market structure expertise with sophisticated communications and outreach efforts, Open Markets seeks not only to hold today’s monopolies accountable for abuse of power, but to rebuild an economic system where progress is easier to achieve, because power is far more widely and equitably distributed.
Our work includes:
• Shining a light on monopoly power and its dangers to democracy through original newsletters, op-eds and articles, videos, events, and special features on a broad range of topics that reach large, diverse audiences.
• Laying out solutions and influencing enforcement and policymaking at the state, federal, and international level through in-depth testimonies, comment letters, and petitions.
• Engaging directly in the law by filing amicus briefs to shape outcomes in court cases that affect monopoly power and educate the broader legal community.
• Investing in extensive communications and outreach efforts to cultivate a broad range of allies and ensure our ideas don’t sit on the shelf.
• Engaging in civil society and grassroots coalitions, such as Freedom From Facebook and 4Competition, to bring movement energy to bear on targeted policy objectives.