Despite these short- term reversals, Israel benefits from a leadership position in high tech, thanks to initiatives and governmental incentive measures inspired both by volunteerism and pragmatism : a high proportion of GDP dedicated to civil R&D; creation of numerous start-ups by young scientists; synergy between universities, research institutes, and start-ups; the establishment of investment funds ($100 million) in order to attract foreign investment the establishment of technological incubators; and, lastly, emphasis on technological niches such as database protection systems, management of computer networks, Internet traffic management, biotechnology, and ophthalmology. Figures 16-1 and 16-2 illustrate the key components of the Israel model. Figure 16-1. The "high-tech island."
Figure 16-2. Human resources of quality.
|