News

Spotlight issue

14th December 2020 / Economic policy / Macroeconomic Indicators, Economic Growth


Czech National Bank: The vaccine game changer

The CNB will stay on hold this week but should confirm a more optimistic outlook for next year, driven by the vaccine news and recent fiscal package approval. This will push GDP and inflation higher and raise the odds of earlier rate hikes. But prudent wording might be chosen to prevent a sharp CZK appreciation. We look for two hikes in 2H21

11th December 2020 / Competitiveness / Technology, R&D and Innovation


T-Mobile and AGC test transparent glass antennas and windows that lower signal attenuation

  • Initial testing in Europe successfully completed
  • Glass antennas for mobile networks – the ideal solution for historic city centres and densely populated areas
  • New window glass featuring a coating that lowers signal attenuation for homes and for example modern railway cars
  • Quick solution for improving coverage and increasing the capacity of mobile networks, including 5G

9th December 2020 / Economic policy / Macroeconomic Indicators, Economic Growth


Industry and exports are expanding despite the second wave of the pandemic

Although manufacturing slowed down in October, it has still been growing decently in the second pandemic wave, with strong support from foreign demand. November will probably be weaker but not dramatically. Consequently, foreign demand significantly boosted exports while imports remained weaker. Construction declined at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

9th December 2020 / Competitiveness / Technology, R&D and Innovation


Avast Cybersecurity Experts Predict Covid-19 Vaccination Scams and Deepfake Disinformation Campaigns for 2021

Cybersecurity experts at Avast (LSE:AVST), a global leader in digital security and privacy products, foresee more Covid-19 vaccination scams, abuse of weak home office infrastructures, enterprise VPN infrastructure and providers, and ransomware attacks in 2021. Avast also expects deepfake disinformation campaigns and other malicious AI-generated campaigns to gain more traction. Specifically, on the Android platform, Avast experts predict further adware attacks, fleeceware scams, and stalkerware usage.

7th December 2020 / Competitiveness / Tax & Finance


The Covid insurance paradox: Prices are rising despite the drop in reported claims

Like most businesses, the insurance industry regularly evaluates the impact of the current coronavirus situation on day-to-day operations. This applies not only to insurers but also to brokers who must work in the interests of the client, whom they must assist during this difficult period and help him survive with the smallest possible losses. Therefore, we are actively discussing with our clients and evaluating the effects and possible measures regarding insurance, and we also offer the same to our potential clients. We see the services provided by brokers as an essential part of the overall risk management of each company, so do not hesitate to contact us.

Strategic Directions for Czech Economic Policy

  1. Transition to High-Tech Manufacturing and Exports
  2. The City Campus as Idea Factory
  3. Government Programs and Processes That Drive Innovation
  4. Government as a Competitive Advantage, including Digitization

Advocacy Priorities for 2023 
 
Technology, People, Infrastructure

 

Actions Recommended in Areas:

1. Establishing Policy Objectives for Research.

2. Research Investment and Cooperation. Big Bets (Key Technology Projects).

3. Establishing Databases for Tracking Public Policy Outcomes.

4. Public Procurement as an Innovation Tool.

5. Immigration of STEM Talents.

6. Digitization of Immigration. 

7. Adult Reskilling and Upskilling.

8. Digitization of Land Use.

9. Infrastructure Development, including Technology Parks.

 

 

Read the documents in English and Czech.

Policy pipeline

In Policy Pipeline policy developments in the Czech Republic and abroad are monitored to bring better understanding of current topics and trends.

Members of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic