A Leader in Texas Innovation and National Security Visited the Zlín Region.

The Zlín Region continues to open its doors to the world. Following the March mission in the American state of Texas, led by Governor Radim Holiš, the region hosted Drew Scheberle a globally recognized authority. Drew Scheberle, Executive Director of the National Security Innovation Council, former key strategist of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, and a recognised expert on cooperation between government, industry, and universities, visited the Zlín Region from 8 to 11 July 2025.

His visit built on previous steps taken by the regional leadership and aimed to strengthen international cooperation, connect the region with American innovation networks, and create concrete opportunities for businesses, research, and education. The programme included visits to several key companies in the defence and aerospace sector — including Ray Service, MESIT, and Aircraft Industries — which rank among the leading Czech industrial firms with reach into NATO and global markets.

“Texas and the Zlín Region have share a common DNA — pragmatism, the courage to do business, an emphasis on research, and a strong technical foundation. This visit is proof that this is not merely about diplomatic gestures, but about real opportunities for our companies, education system, and the entire regional economy. We are well aware that the defence and aerospace industry has not only deep roots in our region but also extraordinary prospects. Our goal is to create conditions that will help companies in this sector continue to grow, expand, and contribute to making the Zlín Region a successful region where young people want not only to work, but also to live a happy and secure life,” said David Vychytil, Deputy Governor of the Zlín Region for the Economy and Business Support.

  A key element of the visit was also a very compelling presentation of the technological maturity and innovation potential of companies from the Zlín Region — and their bold ambitions towards international cooperation.

“The Zlín Region has a lot to offer. In Texas, we value regions that have drive, can make things happen, and have quality partners. Here I saw strong leaders, ready companies, and an excellent foundation for cooperation in research, industry, and international affairs. I believe we have laid a solid foundation for a partnership that will deliver concrete results on both sides of the ocean,” said Drew Scheberle, Executive Director of the National Security Innovation Council, following his visit.

The entire visit was organised by the Zlín Region Investment Agency (ZRIA), the regional organisation focused on supporting business and strategic internationalisation. One of its goals is to help drive changes that will contribute to reversing the long-term outflow of young people from the region.

“I am pleased that ZRIA is already confirming its role as the driving force behind active regional diplomacy. We help build bridges between the Zlín Region and successful regions around the world — and not symbolic ones, but concrete, functional, and two-way bridges. We chose Texas strategically because it has something to offer both established companies and entrepreneurs at the start of their journey. This visit has clearly confirmed that we are heading in the right direction — and I believe it will deliver tangible results in the very near future,” added Petr Kubíček, Director of Strategic Development at ZRIA.

Drew Scheberle’s visit was further proof that the Zlín Region has the potential to become a significant European partner in the fields of modern technology, defence, and aerospace. Step by step, the region is fulfilling its vision of being a place where one can live locally — but think and work globally.