On June 25, 2026, SCRC successfully hosted the 4th Annual SCRC International Research Conference at Charles University’s Hybernská Campus in Prague. Bringing together leading politicians, policymakers, business representatives, and academics from the Czech Republic and Taiwan, the conference reaffirmed the growing strategic importance of Czech-Taiwan cooperation in an increasingly complex geopolitical and technological environment.
Held under the theme “Beyond Supply Chain Resilience: Innovation and the Future of the Czech–Taiwan Partnership,” the conference focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation through research, innovation, education, business, sustainability, and legal frameworks. Throughout the day, participants explored practical ways to enhance economic security, technological competitiveness, and resilience while reinforcing the shared values of democratic partners.
The conference opened with welcome remarks by Karel Kouba, Vice-Rector of Charles University, Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Prague.
In his opening remarks, President of the Senate Miloš Vystrčil emphasized that Czech-Taiwan relations are built on tangible results, citing growing cooperation in investment, advanced technologies, semiconductors, research, higher education, and other strategic sectors. He noted that Taiwan has demonstrated a strong commitment to further deepening the partnership and expressed hope that these opportunities would continue to be supported through further cooperation and concrete initiatives in the Czech Republic.
The program featured high-level discussions on the evolution of Czech-Taiwan relations since 2020, bringing together distinguished speakers including Jiří Drahoš, Jan Lipavský, and Jana Havlíková. Participants reflected on the remarkable development of bilateral cooperation over recent years and discussed new opportunities for expanding collaboration in science, technology, investment, and innovation.
Business cooperation formed another key pillar of the conference, with representatives of CzechInvest, the Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Prague, and the Czech-Taiwanese Business Chamber examining the future of economic relations and investment opportunities between the two partners.
The conference also welcomed a delegation from the National Chengchi University (NCCU), representing the Taiwanese branch of SCRC. Their visit to Prague further reinforced the long-term partnership between the Czech and Taiwanese teams within SCRC. The delegation actively participated throughout the conference, while also contributing to the academic program with ther research presentations.
The afternoon academic program showcased cutting-edge research addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges through three thematic panels on Education & Geopolitics, Sustainability & Resilience, and Legal Frameworks. Experts from the NCCU and CUNI presented research on STEM education and talent development, semiconductor supply chains, sustainability and energy-efficient technologies, geopolitical resilience, international trade law, intellectual property, and artificial intelligence. These interdisciplinary discussions demonstrated the essential role of research in supporting evidence-based policymaking and strengthening resilient international partnerships.
The conference concluded with closing remarks from members of the SCRC Executive Board, Prof. Hsien-Ming Lien and Dr. David Emler who emphasized the center’s growing role as an international platform for research collaboration, policy dialogue, and knowledge exchange between the Czech Republic and Taiwan.
Overall, the SCRC International Research Conference has established itself as a flagship event fostering dialogue between academia, government, and industry. By bringing together experts from both countries, the conference continues to generate new ideas and practical recommendations that contribute to a more innovative, resilient, and prosperous Czech-Taiwan partnership.
All photos are courtesy of Kateřina Hrubá, the PR Coordinator of the Institute of International Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University.
