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Spotlight issue

1st September 2020 / Competitiveness / Tax & Finance


In 40% of Czech FIs you can use biometric data, biometric signature most of all

Based on analysing institution’s statement about data protection and sensitive data processing on the Czech market, 40% of FIs are using various biometric data in general. Additionally, 33% of the FIs are specifically processing biometric digital signatures. Out of all Czech FIs that use biometric data, only 7% of them are related to facial biometrics and 13% to voice biometrics. The banking sector has been very conservative, and many traditional institutions are still building on this value. However, the pressure of non-banking institutions and customer requirements force this sector to accept the latest technologies and make the best use of them in their business. 

28th August 2020 / Competitiveness / Business and Industry


Survey of housing situation among inhabitants of Prague 11

At the end of March and beginning of April, the STEM/MARK agency performed a public survey among the inhabitants of Prague 11 relating to the resolution of the housing situation in Prague 11 and throughout Prague in general. A representative sample of 1007 people was surveyed with respect to the public perception on the current situation and the possibilities of housing in Prague, on the possibilities and prices of flats and the potential for construction in the area of Prague 11. As ensues from the results of the research, the housing situation in Prague is currently highly unsatisfactory. The originator of the survey was the PASSERINVEST Group, which wants to act in this area as a long-term partner in the development of the city, with the aim of transforming an unpleasant environment into a pleasant and user-friendly location, including a large public park.

28th August 2020 / Competitiveness / Tax & Finance


Closing accounts as the preferred SPA in the Czech Republic

When selling companies in the Czech Republic, parties prefer to determine the purchase price on the basis of the financial statements prepared at the date of the company’s takeover by the new owner, the so-called closing accounts. When negotiating a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), this purchase price mechanism was chosen for 71% of deals. This results from the latest Deloitte study Deal making in the Czech Republic summarising selected data from significant transactions over the last few years.

28th August 2020 / Good governance / Legal Reform and Transparency


Assumption of debt as an inoperative transaction for the purposes of insolvency proceedings

It is common practice in the Czech Republic for buyers to settle a part of the purchase price by assuming the seller’s debt toward third parties. However, these arrangements are not entirely risk-free for the seller.

26th August 2020 / Competitiveness / Transport, Infrastructure and Tourism


Vending Machines with Protective Gear at Prague Airport

A number of protective measures have been in place at Václav Havel Airport Prague set up to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease and protect the health and safety of passengers. These include, for example, the obligation to wear a face mask or in other way cover one’s airways while inside the airport premises. Now, passengers can buy face masks and other gear preventing the spreading of infection from the vending machines installed directly at Václav Havel Airport Prague.

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