LCF26 | From artificial intelligence to quantum computing: the new frontiers of antitrust

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The discussion combines institutional authority with academic originality, providing genuine added value in a field where academic literature is still scarce. Fabiana Di Porto’s ‘anticipatory contestability’ concept is the intellectual highlight, shifting the focus from existing market power to the conditions of its formation. The argument is structured logically: the timing problem of competition law is identified, illustrated with concrete examples (interfaces, SDKs, standards, lock-in), and then addressed through a proposed temporal framework. The audience criticism is acknowledged and partially integrated, which strengthens credibility. However, the normative force remains limited by the exploratory nature of the Italian inquiry, and the panel does not fully resolve the fundamental tension between early intervention and the risk of chilling innovation. The use of the Schrödinger metaphor is effective rhetorically but does not fully bridge the gap between quantum physics and market dynamics.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The sources are institutional and concrete: the EU Commission’s exclusionary abuse guidelines, the Italian market inquiry, an Oxera study on merger dynamics in quantum, and the French AI report. These provide solid anchoring. The panel acknowledges uncertainty in investment figures (20 to 50 billion range) and the absence of established academic literature, showing intellectual honesty. The title exactly matches the content — AI and quantum computing as antitrust frontiers. The video is organized by DLA Piper, whose partner is also a panelist; this organizational affiliation is visible but does not introduce promotional content in the discussion.

The title accurately reflects the content, which explores antitrust challenges posed by both AI and quantum computing as emerging frontiers of competition law.

8/10

Panel of senior competition experts from national authorities, academia, and private practice discussing a concrete ongoing market inquiry with institutional backing. The arguments are grounded in specific legal instruments and policy documents, though presented as work-in-progress and lacking empirical verification for several claims (e.g., investment figures).

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 00:45Welcome and introduction of the panel topic: AI and quantum computing as new frontiers of antitrust by moderator Alessandro.
• 04:30Luca Arnaudo introduces the Italian Competition Authority's market inquiry on quantum computing, the first such study worldwide.
• 12:00Luca addresses the criticism of premature intervention using the Schrödinger's box metaphor from the Truth on the Market article.
• 20:00Discussion of hardware platform competition, interoperability issues, and entry barriers in the quantum sector.
• 26:00Luca argues for the need for shared standards in quantum computing and the potential role of the European Union.
• 33:00Fabiana Di Porto presents the 'timing problem' of competition law: markets too young for infringement but too old for competition to be preserved.
• 42:00Introduction of the 'anticipatory contestability' framework, focusing on the formation of market power rather than its exercise.
• 50:00Comparison of four legal instruments (Article 102, Data Act, DMA, standardization law) and their different temporal logics.

• AGCM market inquiry on quantum computing (launched March 2026) — First market study on quantum by a competition authority worldwide, presented by Luca Arnaudo as the main subject of the panel.
• EU Commission Guidelines on exclusionary abuses — Newly released guidelines mentioned as describing 'winner takes all' dynamics increasingly common in the digital economy.
• Truth on the Market article by Pandya — Critical article using the Schrödinger's box metaphor, questioning early competition authority intervention in quantum.
• Oxera study on merger regulation and quantum dynamics — Report funded by the European Commission containing a full chapter on dynamic effects of mergers in the quantum industry.
• French Competition Authority report on AI — Report from two years ago concluding that definitive conclusions on relevant markets are premature but vigilance is required.
• Di Porto & Becker paper on anticipatory contestability — Academic work proposing a temporal approach to preserving contestability in emerging digital markets.

• French Competition Authority AI report — Supports the cautious early vigilance approach to nascent technologies, cited by Luca Arnaudo as a model.
• EU Commission merger reform proposal (Oxera study) — Its full chapter on quantum industry dynamics confirms the relevance of merger scrutiny in the sector.

• Truth on the Market article by Pandya — Argues that competition authorities should not intervene in technologies that are not yet markets, labelled as 'Schrödinger's cat' regulatory action, criticizing the Italian AGCM inquiry as premature.