9.1 : 垄断

A monopoly is a unique market structure characterized by a single seller selling a unique product without close substitutes. This dominating position allows it to operate without any competition.

As the monopolist is the sole provider of a particular product, it is the price maker of the product. For instance, in the 1990s, Microsoft monopolized personal computer operating systems with its Windows product, giving the company complete control over pricing.

Another feature of a monopoly is the presence of high barriers to entry. These could be because of high startup costs, exclusive control over essential raw materials, and legal restrictions. An example is Google's dominance in the search engine market. It created a barrier to entry for competitors due to its user base, advanced algorithms, and substantial data collection capabilities.

Monopolies can impact the economy and consumers, potentially encouraging efficiency but also leading to higher prices, reduced innovation, and limited consumer options due to the absence of competition.