In 2019, smart speakers will be the fastest-growing connected IoT device category. Their market will be worth USD 7 billion. Fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks will burst onto the scene in 2019, and by 2020, around 50 operators will offer this service. Among companies using artificial intelligence (AI), more than two thirds will obtain these capabilities through the cloud. These are some of the conclusions of Deloitte’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Predictions 2019.

The result of external trade in November was a pleasant surprise, although for the entire year 2018 the trade balance will end up with a lower surplus than the year before. Labour market pressures did not let up at the end of the year. The higher share of unemployed in December was caused by seasonal effects, and the increasing number of vacancies shows that demand for labour remains strong.

The European Commission has launched an annual scoreboard to monitor women's participation in the digital economy. Czechia ranks 24th, behind Estonia (7th), Austria (13th), Slovakia (20th), Poland (21st) and Hungary (23rd). 

Industrial production grew by almost 5% year-on-year in November, supported by one extra working day. Though the automotive segment posted double-digit growth again, new orders are still on a weaker footing