The Policy and Research Department is responsible for undertaking studies and make available to the public reports regarding the operation of the Act. The different studies conducted by the department include, market inquiries, scoping studies, sector studies, and impact assessments in the different sectors of the economy. In carrying out its mandate the Policy and Research department works closely with other departments of the Commission as well as external stakeholders, including industry players, sector-specific regulators, and
consumers, amongst others.

The Commission is cognisant of the fact that different sectors, industries and/or markets of the economy are often prone to market disruptions which are sometimes anti-competitive and likely to compromise the welfare of consumers. Therefore, studies assist the Commission to understand how sectors, industries, and/or markets in the economy operate to devise strategies that can enhance competition and promote consumer welfare. Market studies, including market inquiries, also explore various areas and issues that have an impact on the functioning of the market for consumers, such as choice, quality, safety, health, sustainability, prices and information, as well as consumer understanding, behaviour, and decision making.

The Department undertakes scoping studies and market inquiries in accordance with Section 11 (2) (f) of the Competition Act, 2007, , No. 8 of 2007.