Is outsourcing and horizontal integration the same?

No, outsourcing and horizontal integration are not the same. Outsourcing involves contracting external firms to handle specific business functions or services, allowing companies to focus on their core operations. In contrast, horizontal integration refers to a strategy where a company acquires or merges with other companies at the same level of the supply chain to increase market share and reduce competition. While both strategies aim to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, they operate through different mechanisms.