Antitrust expert Carl Shapiro, distinguished professor of the graduate school and Transamerica Professor of Business Strategy Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, testified before the House Committee on Small Business today at a hearing about competition and the small business landscape.
Shapiro, who formerly served as deputy assistant attorney general for economics in the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice and as a member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors for the Obama Administration, said he recognizes the challenges small businesses face, especially in the wake of the pandemic. However, “Competition policy, done right, is neutral with respect to firm size. Smaller firms should not be disadvantaged, but nor should they be favored,” he said.
Shapiro recommended several actions the committee could take to assist small- and medium-sized businesses that are consistent with protecting and promoting competition.
Watch Shapiro’s testimony: