TCOU · The Cost of Uncertaincy - A Study on the Reform of the European Commission's Leniency Program

This project will study the improvement in effectiveness of the European Commissions leniency program in cartel detection post the 2002 reform, which improved the programs transparency and reduced its uncertainty. Specifically, I aim to quantify the increase in number of leniency applications attributed to the feature of automatic amnesty using a structural approach. In addition, I am interested in finding out how firms with different characteristics, such as sizes, industries, compositions of management and board, respond differently to the reduction in uncertainty. The main objectives of the project include deepening the understanding of firms behaviors under uncertainty, bringing forth methodological innovations, informing on policy making and raising awareness of the general public. To achieve these objectives, I will employ innovative approaches that are multidisciplinary and go beyond the state of the art, while paying special attention to the of gender. I will actively engage in supervision and training provided by my host institution, construct and refine the theoretical model and empirical strategy in a timely manner, disseminate the research idea and findings through a professional network that I will actively expand, and engage with a broader audience outside of academia, including policymakers, business leaders and the general public.In the process of achieving these objectives, I will acquire and improve skills in technical aspects of economics research, data management and research management. I will also expand my professional network, improve domain translational expertise, which will enhance my career prospects in academia, the private and public sectors.