Combined study

4 years

doc. Ing. Bc. Marek Semela, Ph.D.

Chairman :
doc. Ing. Bc. Marek Semela, Ph.D.
Councillor internal :
doc. Ing. Radek Knoflíček, Dr.
doc. Ing. Robert Kledus, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. et Ing. Martin Cupal, Ph.D. et Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Rostislav Drochytka, CSc., MBA, dr. h. c.
prof. Ing. Jana Korytárová, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Jiří Mišurec, CSc.
prof. Dr. habil. Ing. Pavel Foltin, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Karel Šuhajda, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Mgr. Karel Pospíšil, Ph.D., LL.M.
Councillor external :
doc. RNDr. Mgr. Petr Adolf Skřehot, Ph.D., MSc.
Ing. Dagmar Vágnerová Linnertová, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Zora Petráková, PhD.
Ing. Jindřich Frič, Ph.D.

3. round (applications submitted from 01.11.2025 to 31.12.2025)

1. Geo-economic Shocks and Supply Chain Resilience in the Age of Global Uncertainty

   The dissertation will focus on analysing the impacts of geo-economic shocks on the resilience and adaptability of global supply chains. Such shocks include armed conflicts, trade sanctions, resource crises, pandemics, and disruptions to global trade routes. The aim of the research is to identify key factors influencing the ability of enterprises and states to respond to these disruptions and maintain supply continuity. The study will combine macroeconomic data analysis, value chain modelling, and resilience simulations using indicators of economic complexity, trade interdependence, and digital dependency. The research will also develop a methodology for assessing geo-economic resilience of selected sectors and regions, with a focus on strategic commodities and critical infrastructure. The dissertation will contribute by developing a methodological and analytical framework for assessing the geo-economic resilience of supply chains, enabling the identification of vulnerabilities and the prediction of future shock impacts. The novelty lies in integrating econometric analysis, trade network modelling, and resilience engineering principles into a unified evaluation system. The results can support strategic planning in industrial and trade policy, crisis management, and economic security at both national and international levels.

   Supervisor: Foltin Pavel, prof. Dr. habil. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Resilience and Security of Supply Chains: Modelling Risks, Impacts, and Systemic Recovery

   The dissertation will focus on the resilience and security of supply and distribution chains, with an emphasis on risk assessment and impact evaluation in the context of changing geopolitical and economic conditions. Special attention will be given to critical supply networks, such as spare parts logistics, transport components, or strategic materials, where disruptions may trigger cascading effects. The main objective is to develop a methodology for assessing the resilience of supply chains by combining risk analysis, scenario modelling, and simulation using digital twin technology. The research will integrate economic and security dimensions, including effects on public infrastructure and industrial systems, and will build on the findings of current research projects addressing resilience, risk evaluation, and socio-economic impact modelling. The contribution of the dissertation will consist in designing an integrated framework for risk assessment and prediction in supply and distribution chains, enabling the simulation and quantification of disruption impacts. The novelty lies in the integration of forensic engineering methods, systems analysis, and data-driven modelling, utilizing digital twin principles and machine learning techniques. The results can support strategic risk management in transport, logistics, and industrial systems, as well as decision-making processes in public administration and crisis management aimed at ensuring supply chain continuity and systemic resilience.

   Supervisor: Foltin Pavel, prof. Dr. habil. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Systemic Resilience and Socio-economic Risks of Critical Infrastructure in the Era of Hybrid Threats

   The dissertation will focus on analysing socio-economic risks and factors influencing the systemic resilience of critical infrastructure in the era of dynamically evolving hybrid threats. The research will integrate technical, economic, and social dimensions of infrastructure performance, emphasizing modelling of domino and cascading effects, digital dependencies, and new forms of hybrid disruptions. The main goal is to develop an integrated Resilience Assessment Framework for identifying vulnerabilities, socio-economic impacts, and strategic priorities for both public authorities and private operators. The study will apply simulation, scenario analysis, and advanced data techniques (machine learning, network analytics) to predict risk dynamics and cross-sector impacts on critical infrastructure systems. The contribution of the dissertation will consist in developing a methodology and model for assessing the systemic resilience of critical infrastructure, taking into account socio-economic interactions, digital interdependencies, and hybrid threats. The novelty lies in an interdisciplinary approach that combines the principles of forensic engineering, data analytics, and security studies. The results can support strategic decision-making in crisis management, defence, and public policy, thereby contributing to strengthening the overall resilience of society.

   Supervisor: Foltin Pavel, prof. Dr. habil. Ing., Ph.D.