Strengthening Infrastructure Development in the Czech Republic through Strategic Partnerships

During the recent GLOBSEC Infrastructure Development Council (IDC) meeting in Prague, Czech government officials, private sector leaders, and international experts convened to discuss enhancing infrastructure development through public-private cooperation in Czechia.

The European Investment Bank estimates that Europe needs to invest approximately €830 billion annually to sustain economic growth and competitiveness. This need is even more pronounced in the CEE countries, including the Czech Republic. To help bridge the infrastructure investment gap via Public-Private Collaborations (PPCs), the following recommendations were voiced during the closed-door round-table discussion:

• Establish a National Infrastructure Plan: Develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy outlining infrastructure priorities across sectors to attract private sector investment.
   
• Create a Dedicated Competence Centre for PPCs: Establish a centralized agency or competence center to facilitate and coordinate PPC initiatives, ensuring streamlined processes and effective risk management.
   
• Expand PPCs Beyond Transportation Sector: Encourage the application of PPC models in critical social infrastructure sectors such as healthcare, affordable housing, environmental solutions, and education, aligning projects with industrial needs for greater economic impact.
   
• Enhance Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency: Involve stakeholders early in the project lifecycle to foster consensus and improve project planning, ensuring transparency in decision-making and accountability to mitigate future risks.
   
• Manage Financial Impact: Develop frameworks to manage the financial implications of PPCs on public finances, including mechanisms for risk-sharing and monitoring to moderate potential increases in national debt levels.