“Czechia Team”. Economic diplomacy of the Czech Republic in the face of global challenges

Dyplomacja ekonomiczna Republiki Czeskiej wobec globalnych wyzwań

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to show the evolution of the Czech Republic’s economic diplomacy model from the systemic transformation in the 1990s to the present day. Using a case study and descriptive analysis method, the author analysed government documents shaping foreign policy and the state’s pro-export strategy. The economic conditions and the will of policymakers, who understood the need to take measures to support Czech exports and create an integrated system of economic diplomacy, were taken as the starting point for the considerations undertaken. In addition, it was necessary to find an answer to the question of the determinants that caused the modification of objectives and the introduction of a component of scientific diplomacy and development aid and led to measures for the territorial diversification of exports of goods and Czech investments towards non-European markets. The Czech Republic is the best-industrialised country in Central and Eastern Europe, a stable and open-to-the-world economy, focused on the markets of the European Union countries with ambitions to inspire technology and innovation in industry. Additional analysis of the research material, found on the websites and portals of state institutions and specialised agencies, allows us to conclude that the hallmark of the Czech model of economic diplomacy is its ability to respond quickly to crisis situations such as COVID-19 as well as its transparency, including in the sphere of spending funds, and its commendable use of digital diplomacy, including social media, to conduct outreach and promotional activities.

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