On April 7th, 2026, a closed expert roundtable was held at the Senate of the Czech Republic in Prague by the SCRC, addressing the increasingly important issue of supply chain resilience in the context of global geopolitical change. The discussion took place against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, technological rivalry, and shifting economic relations, all of which are placing new pressures on global supply chains and, consequently, on national security and economic stability.

The event was opened by the Senate President Miloš Vystrčil and the First Vice-President Jiří Drahoš, who delivered the opening remarks and highlighted the importance of addressing supply chain resilience as a strategic priority for the Czech Republic. Their remarks set the tone for a discussion focused on the intersection of geopolitics, economics, and security.

Following the opening, SCRC’s Director Dr. David Emler, outlined the center’s mission to analyze vulnerabilities in global supply chains and contribute to policy-relevant research in this field.

The first discussion block focused on the geopolitical transformation of global supply chains. Dr. Ivana Karásková presented the broader geopolitical dimension, emphasizing China’s growing global influence and its critical role in key sectors such as semiconductors. She highlighted how these dynamics are reshaping global dependencies and creating new strategic challenges.

Dr. Jan Hornát followed by expanding on the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China, placing particular emphasis on its implications for semiconductors and artificial intelligence. His contribution underscored how technological competition is becoming a central element of global power dynamics, with direct consequences for supply chain security.

The debate in the first block was widely regarded as highly productive and necessary, with participants agreeing on the importance of continuing such discussions. A key theme was the role of the European Union in this evolving landscape; how it can strengthen its position, enhance its capacity to act, and respond effectively to growing global competition. Participants stressed the need for greater flexibility within Europe and a clearer strategic approach to ensure resilience and autonomy.

The second block shifted the focus toward policy and economic security. Filip Křenek opened the discussion by addressing the European strategy for strengthening supply chain resilience, highlighting ongoing efforts at the EU level to reduce vulnerabilities and build more robust systems.

He was followed by Ota Šimák, who presented on the topic of economic security and the trade policy of the Czech Republic in a changing geopolitical environment. His contribution focused on how national policy must adapt to new global realities while aligning with broader European frameworks.

The roundtable concluded with final remarks and informal networking, reinforcing the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation among policymakers and experts. The event made clear that supply chain resilience is no longer just an economic concern, but a key element of national and European security, requiring coordinated and forward-looking strategies.

All photos are courtesy of the Senate of the Czech Republic.