Further investment in Czechia is on the agenda for 81% of companies responding to this year’s AFI survey. Yet a shortage of skilled workers remains their biggest obstacle to growth. Turning that appetite for investment into lasting competitiveness was a central theme of the seventh annual conference of the Association for Foreign Investment (AFI). Priority magazine attended the event as a media partner.
The Czech National Bank’s Congress Centre in Prague welcomed more than 200 representatives of business, government, diplomatic missions, academia and the media on 10 September 2026. The theme, “Are We Ready? The Resilience of the Czech Economy in a Time of Global Change”, brought together discussions on investment, technology and the ability to manage overlapping crises.
Readiness depends on adaptability
Opening the conference, Gabriela Hrbáčková, Chair of AFI’s Steering Committee, stressed that readiness in both business and public administration depends on more than a skilled workforce. It also requires the ability to respond flexibly to technological change, economic fluctuations and disruptions to supply chains.
In his keynote address, Karel Havlíček also highlighted the need for active adaptation. He identified support for high-value-added investment and rapid technological transformation as key foundations of resilience.
Three panel discussions explored the impact of geopolitical developments, Czechia’s preparedness for interconnected crises and opportunities for industry. Speakers included Jan Bureš, David Marek, Pavel Sovička, Pavel Švagr and Rudolf Klepáček. Michala Hergetová moderated the event.
Investment plans focus on digitalisation and AI
The AFI Business Environment Survey 2026 offered a detailed picture of business sentiment, drawing on responses from 212 companies. Further investment in Czechia is planned by 81% of respondents, compared with 79% in last year’s survey. The current business environment is rated as very good by 70%, up from 61% in 2025.
Digitalisation and robotics lead the priorities for future development, cited by 57% of respondents. They are followed by the implementation of artificial intelligence tools at 54% and the development of new products or processes at 48%. The findings point to an appetite for modernisation that could help companies improve productivity and navigate changing conditions.
A total of 73% of respondents consider their companies very well prepared for crises and their impact on business. This is the companies’ own assessment, recorded alongside their investment intentions.
Skilled workers remain the biggest constraint
That optimism has its limits. Asked to select the three factors placing the greatest burden on their business, 62% of respondents chose a shortage of skilled workers. Legislation followed at 41%, global uncertainty at 40% and high energy prices at 39%.
Access to talent therefore remains an important condition for translating investment plans into reality. The findings also underline the need for predictable business conditions that allow companies to make long-term decisions alongside investing in technology.
Awards recognise automotive investment and semiconductor technology
The conference also hosted the AFI Annual Awards 2026. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic received the award for a significant investment achievement for expanding its plant in Kolín-Ovčáry to produce a new battery electric vehicle. According to AFI’s materials, the project represents an investment of more than EUR 500 million and will create over 200 jobs. Company President Robert Kiml accepted the award.
Korymbos Photonics received the AFI and CzechInvest award for innovative idea of the year for its wafer-scale THz ellipsometry technology, which enables non-destructive characterisation of semiconductor wafers. Stanislav Černý and Michal Lorenc were recognised for their long-standing contribution to the Czech investment environment through their systematic work to build the country’s semiconductor ecosystem and connect it to European and global value chains.
This year’s conference brought the question of crisis preparedness together with tangible investment plans. For Priority, which attended as a media partner, these issues have a direct bearing on the future of Czech business: the ability to innovate, develop workforce skills and create conditions for investment with lasting benefits.
Sources: AFI press release dated 10 September 2026 and AFI Business Environment Survey 2026 (212 companies).
