{"id":20586,"date":"2025-10-23T15:22:30","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T15:22:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/?p=20586"},"modified":"2026-07-03T06:27:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T06:27:22","slug":"classification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/","title":{"rendered":"Classification of Monopolies in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"scien-2002185511\" class=\"scien-before-content scien-entity-placement\"><style>\r\n.amazon-support-link {\r\n    display: inline-flex;\r\n    align-items: baseline;\r\n    gap: 0.3rem;\r\n    padding: 0.35rem 0.55rem;\r\n    color: inherit;\r\n    font-size: 0.88rem;\r\n    line-height: 1.2;\r\n    text-decoration: none;\r\n    opacity: 0.72;\r\n    white-space: nowrap;\r\n    transition: opacity 0.2s ease;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.amazon-support-link:hover,\r\n.amazon-support-link:focus-visible {\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n    text-decoration: underline;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.amazon-support-link small {\r\n    font-size: 0.65rem;\r\n    opacity: 0.7;\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media (max-width: 900px) {\r\n    .amazon-support-link small {\r\n        display: none;\r\n    }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<a class=\"amazon-support-link\"\r\n   href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/?tag=vpf04-20\"\r\n   target=\"_blank\"\r\n   rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\"\r\n   aria-label=\"Shop on Amazon and support World Science DAO\">\r\n    Shop on Amazon <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2197<\/span>\r\n    <small>affiliate link<\/small>\r\n<\/a><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>What kinds of monopolies are there? What are their special kinds in science?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#What_is_a_Monopoly\" >What is a Monopoly?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Broad_Classification_of_Monopolies_in_Business_and_Economics\" >Broad Classification of Monopolies in Business and Economics<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Pure_Monopoly\" >Pure Monopoly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Natural_Monopoly\" >Natural Monopoly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Legal_Monopoly_Government-Granted_or_Statutory_Monopoly\" >Legal Monopoly (Government-Granted or Statutory Monopoly)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Geographic_Monopoly\" >Geographic Monopoly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Technological_Monopoly\" >Technological Monopoly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Monopolistic_Competition_vs_Oligopoly_Related_Concepts\" >Monopolistic Competition vs Oligopoly (Related Concepts)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Why_Does_Classification_Matter\" >Why Does Classification Matter?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Extended_Classifications_Nuances\" >Extended Classifications &amp; Nuances<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Causes_of_Monopolies\" >Causes of Monopolies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Effects_Economic_Implications_of_Monopolies\" >Effects &amp; Economic Implications of Monopolies<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Scientific_Monopolies_Knowledge_Research_Context\" >Scientific Monopolies (Knowledge &amp; Research Context)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Definition_Mechanisms\" >Definition &amp; Mechanisms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Why_It_Matters\" >Why It Matters<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Classification_Relation_to_Business_Monopolies\" >Classification &amp; Relation to Business Monopolies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Integrative_Framework_Monopolies_Across_Domains\" >Integrative Framework: Monopolies Across Domains<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Why_Addressing_Monopolies_Matters\" >Why Addressing Monopolies Matters<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Call_to_Action_Donate_to_the_AIIM_Project\" >Call to Action: Donate to the AIIM Project<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/classification\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In economics and across fields, the concept of a monopoly describes a situation in which one actor (a firm, individual, or collective) dominates access, supply or rights in a given market or domain. While commonly associated with business markets, the idea of monopolies extends beyond commerce to science, knowledge, publishing and intellectual spheres. This article sets out a detailed classification of monopolies, explores their causes and consequences, and introduces the notion of scientific monopolies as described by the World Science\u202fDAO (Science DAO). At the end, you are invited to support the fight against monopolies of knowledge by <a href=\"\/fr\/one-time-donation\/\">donating to the AIIM Project (AI Internet-Meritocracy)<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Monopoly\"><\/span>What is a Monopoly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <em>monopoly<\/em> is a market structure in which a single seller (or provider) supplies a good or service for which there are no close substitutes, and where entry by other firms is impeded. <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Monopoly?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Key features of monopolies include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One dominant supplier controlling supply or rights. <a href=\"https:\/\/fiveable.me\/ap-micro\/unit-4\/monopolies\/study-guide\/BJd48CvY2QF5xDB7MX5N?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fiveable<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High barriers to entry for competitors (legal, economic, technological). <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.oer.hawaii.edu\/principlesofmicroeconomics\/chapter\/9-1-how-monopolies-form-barriers-to-entry\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UH Pressbooks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Price-setting (rather than price-taking) behaviour by the monopolist. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/m\/monopoly.asp?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Investopedia<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given these features, monopolies have implications for market efficiency, consumer welfare and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"834\" height=\"469\" src=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-9.png\" alt=\"Classification \" class=\"wp-image-20712\" title=\"Classification \" srcset=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-9.png 834w, https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-9-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-9-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-9-575x323.png 575w, https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-9-380x214.png 380w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 834px) 100vw, 834px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Broad_Classification_of_Monopolies_in_Business_and_Economics\"><\/span>Broad Classification of Monopolies in Business and Economics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a systematic classification of monopolies as encountered in economics and business studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pure_Monopoly\"><\/span><strong>Pure Monopoly<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A situation in which a single firm is the only seller in a market, with no close substitutes and extremely high barriers to entry. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/m\/monopoly.asp?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Investopedia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Natural_Monopoly\"><\/span><strong>Natural Monopoly<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Occurs when due to cost structures (very high fixed costs, economies of scale) it is most efficient for one firm to serve the entire market. Classic examples: utilities (water, electricity). <a href=\"https:\/\/articles.outlier.org\/what-is-a-monopoly-in-economics?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Outlier Articles<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Monopoly_Government-Granted_or_Statutory_Monopoly\"><\/span><strong>Legal Monopoly (Government-Granted or Statutory Monopoly)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A monopoly created by law or regulation\u2014for example via patent, copyright, government franchise, or exclusive licence. <a href=\"https:\/\/articles.outlier.org\/what-is-a-monopoly-in-economics?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Outlier Articles<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Geographic_Monopoly\"><\/span><strong>Geographic Monopoly<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A provider has exclusive control over a good or service in a given geographic area (often because no other provider can feasibly serve that region). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.studysmarter.co.uk\/explanations\/business-studies\/managerial-economics\/types-of-monopolies\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">StudySmarter UK<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Technological_Monopoly\"><\/span><strong>Technological Monopoly<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arises when a firm (or individual) has exclusive control over a technology or method that others cannot replicate, so they dominate production or provision. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.studysmarter.co.uk\/explanations\/business-studies\/managerial-economics\/types-of-monopolies\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">StudySmarter UK<\/a><strong>Government (Public) Monopoly<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The state (government) is the sole provider of a service or good, or it grants a monopoly to a state-owned enterprise. Often justification is public interest rather than profit. <a href=\"https:\/\/articles.outlier.org\/what-is-a-monopoly-in-economics?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Outlier Articles<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Monopolistic_Competition_vs_Oligopoly_Related_Concepts\"><\/span><strong>Monopolistic Competition vs Oligopoly (Related Concepts)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although not strictly a \u201cmonopoly,\u201d market structures where a few firms dominate (oligopoly) or many firms offer differentiated products (monopolistic competition) are relevant for context. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/m\/monopoly.asp?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Investopedia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_Classification_Matter\"><\/span>Why Does Classification Matter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding the different types of monopolies is important because each type has distinct causes, regulatory implications and welfare effects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Natural monopolies<\/strong> might be regulated to prevent abuse and ensure service provision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal monopolies<\/strong> raise questions of innovation vs access (e.g., patents).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technological monopolies<\/strong> influence dynamic competition and innovation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geographic and public monopolies<\/strong> often implicate public policy on access and equity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Extended_Classifications_Nuances\"><\/span>Extended Classifications &amp; Nuances<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond the broad types, some classifications identify more granular distinctions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some authors list up to <strong>13 types of monopoly<\/strong> (including pure, government, technological, geographic, social, resource-based, etc) to capture all varieties of exclusive market control. <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/types-of-monopoly\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Helpful Professor<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The concept of <strong>bilateral monopoly<\/strong> (a single seller and a single buyer) exists in the literature, showing hybrid power structures. <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bilateral_monopoly?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikipedia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barriers to entry can be economic (cost structure), legal (patents, licenses), or behaviourally strategic (predatory pricing). <a href=\"https:\/\/boycewire.com\/types-and-causes-of-monopoly\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BoyceWire<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes_of_Monopolies\"><\/span>Causes of Monopolies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the common causes behind monopoly formation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Economies of scale<\/strong>: Firm becomes so large that new entrants cannot compete on cost. <a href=\"https:\/\/articles.outlier.org\/what-is-a-monopoly-in-economics?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Outlier Articles<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Control of key resources<\/strong>: One firm controls a scarce input (natural resource, infrastructure). <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Monopoly?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikipedia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal or regulatory barriers<\/strong>: Patents, copyrights, licensing restrictions, or regulation favour incumbent. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/m\/monopoly.asp?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Investopedia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Network effects<\/strong>: Value of service increases with number of users, favouring the dominant firm. <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Monopoly?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikipedia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategic exclusion or predatory behaviour<\/strong>: Incumbent uses tactics to deter entry. <a href=\"https:\/\/boycewire.com\/types-and-causes-of-monopoly\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BoyceWire<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effects_Economic_Implications_of_Monopolies\"><\/span>Effects &amp; Economic Implications of Monopolies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monopolies have several well-documented impacts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Higher prices, reduced output<\/strong>: Monopoly sets price above marginal cost, leading to less production compared to competitive markets. <a href=\"https:\/\/articles.outlier.org\/what-is-a-monopoly-in-economics?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Outlier Articles<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Deadweight loss \/ inefficiency<\/strong>: The economy suffers welfare loss because fewer transactions occur. <a href=\"https:\/\/articles.outlier.org\/what-is-a-monopoly-in-economics?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Outlier Articles<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduced innovation (in some cases)<\/strong>: Without competitive pressure, monopolist may become complacent. <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Monopoly?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikipedia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Barriers to consumer choice and entry<\/strong>: Consumers have fewer alternatives; new firms find it hard to enter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Potential benefits<\/strong>: In cases of natural monopolies, single-provider may be most cost-efficient; regulated monopoly can ensure universal provision of service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scientific_Monopolies_Knowledge_Research_Context\"><\/span>Scientific Monopolies (Knowledge &amp; Research Context)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond traditional business monopolies, a compelling dimension is <strong>monopolies in science and knowledge production<\/strong>. The article <em>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/how-does-economy-of-monopolies-work-in-science\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1652\">How Does Economy of Monopolies Work in Science?<\/a>\u201d<\/em> by Science DAO discusses this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Definition_Mechanisms\"><\/span>Definition &amp; Mechanisms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In science, any discovery or published work has a single author or author-group: that author(s) holds a sort of \u201cmonopoly\u201d on authorship. <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/how-does-economy-of-monopolies-work-in-science\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Science DAO<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The article argues that because of custom and tradition (e.g., only the author may publish their work, publishers only accept author-submitted pieces), the author becomes a monopolist of that knowledge. <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/how-does-economy-of-monopolies-work-in-science\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Science DAO<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This can block or delay dissemination of knowledge, especially if the author lacks funds or chooses not to publish. <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/how-does-economy-of-monopolies-work-in-science\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Science DAO<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_It_Matters\"><\/span>Why It Matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A \u201cscientific monopoly\u201d may slow research progress: if one author holds exclusive rights to publish or distribute a finding and declines, the scientific community may be blocked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional publishing monopolies and academic gatekeeping contribute to power imbalances in knowledge production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These monopolies are often <strong>monopolies without money<\/strong> (authors may be impoverished) but nevertheless monopolies of rights and access. <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/how-does-economy-of-monopolies-work-in-science\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Science DAO<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Classification_Relation_to_Business_Monopolies\"><\/span>Classification &amp; Relation to Business Monopolies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These scientific monopolies differ from typical business monopolies: profit motive may be absent, but access and dissemination barriers still apply.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They often fall under legal\/rights-based monopolies (i.e., intellectual property, publishing rights).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In effect, they combine features of technological\/legal monopoly: dominance over knowledge or method + exclusive rights assigned.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The impact is less about immediate pricing and more about access, innovation bottlenecks and equitable distribution of knowledge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Integrative_Framework_Monopolies_Across_Domains\"><\/span>Integrative Framework: Monopolies Across Domains<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is how we can frame monopolies across both business and scientific domains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Domain<\/th><th>Type of Monopoly<\/th><th>Source of power<\/th><th>Key implications<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Business<\/td><td>Natural, Technological, Legal<\/td><td>Cost structure, patents, exclusive tech<\/td><td>Higher prices; restricted entry; regulation needed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business<\/td><td>Geographic, Public<\/td><td>Regional exclusivity; state provision<\/td><td>Equity concerns; infrastructure focus<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Science\/Knowledge<\/td><td>Scientific Monopolies<\/td><td>Authorship rights; publishing control<\/td><td>Innovation bottlenecks; blocked dissemination<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Addressing_Monopolies_Matters\"><\/span>Why Addressing Monopolies Matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For both economic markets and the scientific\/knowledge sphere, unchecked monopolies can undermine innovation, competition, equity, and welfare. In knowledge production especially, monopolies can hamper the societal mission of science: discovery, dissemination, and collective advancement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By classifying monopolies and understanding their sources and impacts, policymakers, scholars and civil society can develop better interventions \u2014 for example antitrust regulation, encouragement of open access publishing, decentralised publishing platforms, and reforms of incentives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Call_to_Action_Donate_to_the_AIIM_Project\"><\/span>Call to Action: Donate to the AIIM Project<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dear reader, if you are concerned about the dominance of monopolies \u2014 in the production and control of scientific knowledge \u2014 you are invited to <strong><a href=\"\/fr\/one-time-donation\/\">donate to the AIIM Project (AI Internet-Meritocracy)<\/a><\/strong> to support effective altruism efforts that challenge monopolies of knowledge and promote open, equitable dissemination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your support helps build systems, platforms and communities that democratise access, reduce gatekeeping and enable fair competition in both markets and science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you for considering your contribution to this important cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article has provided:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A clear definition of monopolies, their causes and economic effects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A classification of the major types of monopolies in business\/economics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A discussion of scientific monopolies as described by Science DAO, including how knowledge and publishing can be monopolised.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An integrative perspective across domains and a call for action to challenge monopolistic structures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By understanding these classifications and dynamics, stakeholders \u2014 economists, policymakers, scientists, knowledge-workers and citizens \u2014 are better equipped to spot monopoly power, question its legitimacy, and advance alternative, fairer systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"scien-1762082724\" class=\"scien-after-content scien-entity-placement\"><section>\r\n\r\n<h2>Support Independent Science<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<p>Supporting independent science is not only a matter of fairness to researchers whose expertise and work are often underfunded. It is also essential for addressing <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/who-are-science-marketers\/\">systemic failures in scientific publishing<\/a> that delay discoveries and leave important results unnoticed. In science and software, even one missing component can prevent an entire system from working.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Help valuable research and open-source infrastructure move forward.<\/strong> Please <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/donation\/\">make a donation<\/a><\/strong> to support <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/amateur-scientists\/\">independent scientists<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/free-software\/\">free software developers<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\t\tOur flagship product is <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/meritocracy\/\">AI Internet-Meritocracy<\/a> - an app, that unlike universities distributes money directly to researchers and open source developers, without bureaucracy.\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/section><\/div><div id=\"scien-123707992\" class=\"scien-after-content-2 scien-entity-placement\"><div data-nosnippet style=\"max-width: 800px\">\r\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0\">Ads:<\/p>\r\n<style>\r\n    \/* Compact Table Styling *\/\r\n    .amazon-ad-table {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        max-width: 800px;\r\n        border-collapse: collapse;\r\n        margin: 10px auto;\r\n        font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\r\n        border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\r\n    }\r\n    .amazon-ad-table th {\r\n        background-color: #f3f3f3;\r\n        padding: 8px;\r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        border-bottom: 2px solid #ddd;\r\n        font-size: 0.9em;\r\n    }\r\n    .amazon-ad-table td {\r\n        padding: 8px 5px;\r\n        border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\r\n        vertical-align: middle;\r\n    }\r\n    \/* Column sizing *\/\r\n    .col-image { width: 15%; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; padding-top: 10px; }\r\n    .col-desc { width: 65%; }\r\n    .col-action { width: 20%; text-align: center; }\r\n\r\n    \/* Image Placeholder Styling *\/\r\n    \/* YOU WILL REPLACE THIS ENTIRE BLOCK WHEN YOU INSERT REAL AMAZON CODE *\/\r\n    .img-placeholder {\r\n        width: 80px;\r\n        height: 110px;\r\n        background-color: #eee;\r\n        border: 1px solid #ddd;\r\n        color: #666;\r\n        font-size: 0.7em;\r\n        display: flex;\r\n        justify-content: center;\r\n        align-items: center;\r\n        margin: 0 auto;\r\n        text-align: center;\r\n    }\r\n    \r\n    \/* Typography - Smaller fonts and tighter line heights *\/\r\n    .product-title {\r\n        font-size: 1em;\r\n        font-weight: bold;\r\n        color: #007185;\r\n        text-decoration: none;\r\n        display: block;\r\n        margin-bottom: 2px;\r\n    }\r\n    .product-title:hover { color: #C7511F; text-decoration: underline; }\r\n    .product-author { \r\n        color: #565959; \r\n        font-size: 0.8em; \r\n        margin-bottom: 4px; \r\n    }\r\n    .product-blurb { \r\n        font-size: 0.85em; \r\n        line-height: 1.25;\r\n        color: #333; \r\n        margin: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/* Compact Button Styling *\/\r\n    .amazon-button {\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        background-color: #FFD814;\r\n        border: 1px solid #FCD200;\r\n        border-radius: 20px;\r\n        color: #0F1111;\r\n        padding: 6px 10px;\r\n        text-align: center;\r\n        text-decoration: none;\r\n        font-size: 0.8em;\r\n        font-weight: bold;\r\n        box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\r\n        transition: background-color 0.2s;\r\n        white-space: nowrap;\r\n    }\r\n    .amazon-button:hover { background-color: #F7CA00; border-color: #F2C200; cursor: pointer;}\r\n\r\n    \/* Disclosure *\/\r\n    .affiliate-disclosure {\r\n        font-size: 0.75em;\r\n        color: #565959;\r\n        text-align: center;\r\n        margin-top: 5px;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/* Responsive *\/\r\n    @media (max-width: 600px) {\r\n        .amazon-ad-table thead { display: none; }\r\n        .amazon-ad-table tr { display: flex; flex-direction: column; border-bottom: 2px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; }\r\n        .amazon-ad-table td { width: 100%; border: none; padding: 5px 0; text-align: center; }\r\n        .col-desc { text-align: center; }\r\n    }\r\n<\/style>\r\n<table class=\"amazon-ad-table\">\r\n    <thead>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <th>Description<\/th>\r\n            <th>Action<\/th>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td class=\"col-desc\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0553380168?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"product-title\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">A Brief History of Time<\/a>\r\n                <div class=\"product-author\">by Stephen Hawking<\/div>\r\n                <p class=\"product-blurb\">A landmark volume in science writing exploring cosmology, black holes, and the nature of the universe in accessible language.<\/p>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n            <td class=\"col-action\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0553380168?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"amazon-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check Price<\/a>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td class=\"col-desc\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0393609391?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"product-title\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Astrophysics for People in a Hurry<\/a>\r\n                <div class=\"product-author\">by Neil deGrasse Tyson<\/div>\r\n                <p class=\"product-blurb\">Tyson brings the universe down to Earth clearly, with wit and charm, in chapters you can read anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n            <td class=\"col-action\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0393609391?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"amazon-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check Price<\/a>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n         <tr>\r\n            <td class=\"col-desc\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=raspberry+pi+4+starter+kit&tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"product-title\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Raspberry Pi Starter Kits<\/a>\r\n                <div class=\"product-author\">Supports Computer Science Education<\/div>\r\n                <p class=\"product-blurb\">Inexpensive computers designed to promote basic computer science education. Buying kits supports this ecosystem.<\/p>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n            <td class=\"col-action\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=raspberry+pi+4+starter+kit&tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"amazon-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View Options<\/a>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td class=\"col-desc\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0596002874?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"product-title\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Free as in Freedom: Richard Stallman's Crusade<\/a>\r\n                <div class=\"product-author\">by Sam Williams<\/div>\r\n                <p class=\"product-blurb\">A detailed history of the free software movement, essential reading for understanding the philosophy behind open source.<\/p>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n            <td class=\"col-action\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0596002874?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"amazon-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check Price<\/a>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<div class=\"affiliate-disclosure\">\r\n    <p>As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases resulting from links on this page.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What kinds of monopolies are there? What are their special kinds in science? Introduction In economics and across fields, the concept of a monopoly describes a situation in which one [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20586"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20586\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23258,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20586\/revisions\/23258"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}