Transformation of the Globalization Process

This chapter focuses on the analysis of the globalization process as a phenomenon of the recent decades. The chapter starts with an analysis of the roots of globalization, which are a combination of economic policies and labour-saving technologies. Then the most powerful actor, the transnational company, is introduced, followed by the analysis of their position in the world division of labour. Special attention is given to the changes brought by financial crises, especially the Great Recession. The changing nature of globalization is demonstrated also via the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end, the author presents possible future scenarios, applying them on the Czech Republic, as a country strongly connected with the world economy and placed in the position of a dependent economy.

Technological Confrontation Between USA and China in Europe

The article is devoted to the analysis of the confrontation between USA and China in the field of advanced technologies in Europe. On the example of the leading Chinese technological transnational company (TNC) Huawei which is the world leader in the development and deployment of advanced telecommunications networks of the fifth generation 5G it is shown that the confrontation between the US and China in the field of technology is a manifestation of intense competition at the interstate level that will increase. It is shown that the policy and increasingly tough US measures do not meet understanding and support from the many countries and this is clearly seen in Europe, which today is the main market for technological products of US and China and therefor has become the main arena of confrontation between them. The key EU countries in their evaluations and approach to cooperation with Huawei are guided primarily by their economic interests and put into practice a balanced and pragmatic approach. Amid tougher American sanctions and increasing political and economic pressure Chinese TNC Huawei maintained its position in the European market considering it as a strategic asset and alternative to the closed US market. An important factor in strengthening positions of Chinese companies in Europe would be implementation of EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investments.

Central Eastern European cities within multi-level transnational company networks: cores, peripheries and diffusion of innovation

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Central Eastern European cities (CEEc) integrated the globalised networks characterised by hierarchical interactions between cities. This article aims at revisiting the core-periphery and spatial diffusion of innovations paradigms among CEEc within multi-level interurban transnational company networks regardless of CEEc size in 2013. This article contributes to confirm that in spite of presenting less complex economic functions than the large urban centres, medium-sized and small cities, still involved in relations from the communist past, are bottom-up drivers of future innovations. These cities should be targeted by regional policies to reach the polycentric model of urban systems promoted by the European Union.