Transportation costs increased with higher fuel, gas prices or truck drivers shortages. Computer chips/semi-conductor shortage has impacted all industries that manufacture durable goods, electronics etc.

Covid-19 has highlighted the dependency across regions. The pandemic has created sharp disruption on demand volume and demand mix, triggering some delivery issues and creating bottlenecks in global supply chains, and this may slow down global economic recovery.

Skilled labor and infrastructure. Demand. Related and supporting industries. Firm strategy and rivalry of companies (the ecosystem). These are the four determinants of national advantage as defined by Michael Porter. Each country, including the Czech Republic, will need to define a strategic industry of the future.

Is 3D printing going to be one of the game changers in the global supply chains transformation in the post-covid era? Focus on high-end, advanced technology could be Czech Republic’s big opportunity, but the expertise and ecosystem are still missing - and need Government support.