Introducing
Resilience
We help SMEs become more resilient to future challenges.
Why focus on resilience?
In recent years, SMEs have faced increasing uncertainty and a range of external influences that can significantly affect their performance. The increasing volatility of the global environment is leading to more frequent disruptions in the supply of raw materials, components and finished products and services. Uncertainty is thus becoming the new normal for businesses.
Business resilience is the ability to effectively face crises, disruptions and threats, minimize their impact and recover quickly. It includes, but is not limited to, risk management, supplier diversification, financial and cyber security, and process flexibility. In an environment of frequent crises, geopolitical changes and technological threats, building resilience is crucial not only for the survival of companies, but also for maintaining their competitiveness and long-term development.
CzechInvest supports companies in the field of resilience
How can we help you build resilience?
Finding foreign partners
We provide access to the largest international database of partnership opportunities. Are you interested in any of our offers or inquiries? Contact us and we will connect you.
Tailored expert advice
Resilience is a complex concept that runs through the entire company. That’s why we take a systemic approach and offer services that strengthen individual key areas to help you thrive and grow in the long term, even in uncertain environments.
We offer:
- supply chain risk analysis,
- analysis of the company’s digital readiness,
- education and networking,
- the possibility to participate in Horizon Europe challenges,
- support in preparing applications for grants and investments,
- an online B2B platform for matchmaking suppliers, customers and technology partners.
Support for building resilience in supply chains
Today, SME supply chains face a number of challenges that may affect you.
The most common risks include:
- geopolitical conflicts and trade wars,
- natural disasters ( earthquakes, fires, floods, droughts) and pandemics,
- dependence on a limited number of suppliers or locations,
- logistical constraints, congestion on transport routes and ports or lack of containers,
- shortages of raw materials or sudden increases in raw material and energy prices,
- changes in legislation and regulations ( customs regulations, environmental standards),
- cyber incidents in supply chains leading to blackouts,
- labour shortages.
According to a survey by the European Investment Bank (2024):
- 37% of EU businesses consider access to raw materials to be a major barrier to their business,
- 34% of EU businesses are constrained by disruptions to logistics chains and transport infrastructure,
- 23% of companies consider uncertainty in semiconductor availability as a significant barrier to business continuity.
The European Union is therefore seeking to strengthen its so-called open strategic autonomy – the ability to ensure its own economic security while remaining a strong international player. At the Enterprise Europe Network, we see building resilient supplier relationships as a strategic investment.
European tools to strengthen the resilience of SME supply chains
We can help you face the current challenges in supply chains. One option is access to the European online Supply Chain Resilience Platform, which allows you to:
- quickly find new foreign suppliers or customers,
- Establish key business relationships with partners abroad,
- Strengthen the diversification of your supply chains.
The platform primarily serves to connect suppliers and buyers, but also supports wider international collaboration.
The European Commission needs a timely and accurate understanding of the supply chain disruptions facing businesses in the EU and beyond. That’s why at EEN we conduct ongoing research on current and emerging risks.
Completing the questionnaire Suply Chain Resilience Permanent Survey takes approximately 2-3 minutes. However, your answers are key to understanding current and future challenges and allow EU institutions to better set up European policies and support measures to respond to the needs of companies.
European Initiative Resilient Supply Chains for Europe aims to strengthen the resilience of SMEs’ supply chains. The project is part of a broader EU strategy to respond to the impacts of pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, climate change and technological challenges.
The main objectives of the project are:
- identify weaknesses in companies’ supply chains,
- Encourage supplier diversification and localisation of production,
- enable companies to respond quickly to crisis situations,
- Strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy in key sectors.
Tip from CzechInvest consultants
“One of the most effective ways to build resilience in business is to be proactive – to monitor changes in the environment and continuously assess the company’s vulnerabilities. Diversifying suppliers and preparing for at least basic crisis scenarios will bring greater peace of mind, stability and the ability to respond to unpredictable situations into your business.”