Geopolitical resilience in international business: Case of Czech MNCs

Abstract

In an era of escalating geopolitical uncertainty, international companies must not only cope with strong competition in the international arena, but also overcome geopolitical challenges that threaten supply chains and entire business models of companies. This study analyzes the strategies and measures employed by the largest Czech multinational corporations — EPH, CEZ Group, and Skoda Auto — to enhance their geopolitical resilience. Using a mixed-methods approach, including content analysis of corporate annual reports and publicly available data, the research focuses on the key resilience dimensions, such as operational, financial, organizational, and reputational resilience. The findings highlight that diversification, innovation, robust supply chain management, and proactive risk mitigation strategies are critical components of geopolitical resilience. Based on the analysis, it was identified that each of the analyzed companies demonstrates active measures to maintain and develop resilience within this framework, which can also serve as a good tool that can be applied and adapted in different business sectors. The study contributes to the existing literature by offering practical insights into effective resilience strategies for multinational corporations navigating geopolitical risks. Future research could expand the analysis to include smaller enterprises and assess sector-specific resilience frameworks.