Global production networks in automotive industry - the case of Czechia and Poland

This thesis deals with the phenomenon of global production networks. In the context of increasing fragmentation of production chains and the internationalization of manufacturing, it focuses on the automotive industry as a key sector of the manufacturing industry, which plays a significant role in the economies of the Czech Republic and Poland. The main objective is to assess the integration of the automotive industry in the Czech Republic and Poland into global production networks, compare their positions, and identify differences in the level of integration and the activities performed. The partial objectives include an analysis of the historical development of the automotive industry in both countries, an evaluation of foreign direct investment, export performance, research and development expenditures, and the position of major manufacturers and suppliers. The thesis uses the theoretical framework of Global Production Networks (GPN) and draws on data from international databases (Eurostat, OECD, OICA) as well as corporate sources. The result is an overview of the position of the Czech Republic and Poland in global automotive production networks and their manufacturing and supplier base within this industry.