• On 18 September 2023, we saw the inauguration of the first edition of Summer Camp, that is, a workshop that will introduce students to the work of UOKIK experts.
• During five days, young people will learn practical examples of antitrust cases.
• Participation in the program is a prize for authors of the best essays submitted for a competitive topic: "Why and how to protect competition in the modern economy?".

The concept of the Summer Camp workshop is the result of a search for a formula that will enable to familiarize representatives of “generation Z" with the UOKIK’s mission and the practical aspects of the UOKIK's work in an interesting way. The schedule has been dominated by activities in a workshop format where interaction among participants counts and an environment conducive to the exchange of ideas prevails. This approach gives space for questions and a comprehensive analysis of the issues presented.

- In a free market economy, market competitiveness is an extremely important value. This value must be understood, accepted and nurtured. We have extended an invitation to participate in workshops during Summer Camp to a selected group of students of economics and law to whom we will present some theoretical and practical aspects of our work in area of protection of competition. It is also a special opportunity to get to know UOKIK and join our team of professionals. UOKIK is undoubtedly the optimal place for people looking for a deeper meaning in their work by positively impacting the market and the economy - says President of UOKiK, Tomasz Chróstny.

Artificial intelligence, mystery shoppers and computer forensics

The schedule of the five-day Summer Camp is filled with hours dedicated to learning about antitrust issues. From Monday to Friday, there will be workshops, team-building activities and meetings that give space to exchange mutual experience. Practitioners and experts from UOKIK will appear in leading roles.

The substantive part involves discussing the most interesting case studies and learning about the behind-the-scenes work of the analysts conducting the proceedings. One of the broader topics will be competition law: from economic aspects, through all types of unfair practices, including competition-restricting agreements. A separate thematic block is abuse of dominant position where participants will lean into the question "can big really do more?". The program also included examples of specific UOKIK proceedings.

Searches of businesses are always a topic of great interest, as are computer forensics, mystery shoppers, white intelligence and other methods used by UOKIK staff in the process of obtaining evidence. There will also be a discussion of merger control issues which is aimed at preventing excessive consolidation of entrepreneurs, leading to a significant reduction in competition in the market.

Upon completion, each participant in the UOKIK Summer Camp will receive a certificate of participation while the best participants will get the chance for a paid internship at UOKIK headquarters or one of the eight offices.

Not just Summer Camp

Summer Camp is not the only UOKIK project aimed at students. We have been holding competitions for master's and doctoral theses for years. In last year's edition, 6 prizes and 1 special mention were awarded to the authors of the best works. The 15th edition of the competition of the President of the UOKIK for the best master's thesis in the field of competition protection and the 13th edition in the field of consumer protection are now underway. Applications can be submitted until 30.11.2023. For more on the rules of the competition, visit the website of UOKIK.    

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