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Research background: 3D printing technologies have a significant potential to influence Industry 4.0 and the global economy. A significant increase in the adoption of 3D printing technologies has been observed in various areas of human work and corporate processes. The breadth of application gives companies independence in the global market and opens up new possibilities in supplier-customer relationships, inventory management, and logistics processes. Purpose of the article: Companies are increasingly utilizing products from so-called additive manufacturing and looking for ways to increase manufacturing variability, which brings new technical challenges and requirements for key knowledge of their own manufacturing processes, the field of 3D printing technologies, material assortments, as well as the need to change perspectives on the product lifecycle, distribution chains, and business models. Methods: The survey was primarily conducted on a theoretical level on the basis of published statistical data of the CZSO and EUROSTAT, discussions on social networks, and AI, followed by a comparison of development dynamics. Findings & Value added: On the basis of the research, the fact was identified that a significant, yet underestimated, factor is the low or non-existent awareness of companies and the private sector about these technologies, the complexity of these processes, and the actual real possibilities.