Israel provides ‘innovation’ aid
The Philippines is getting a strong push to advance research capability and technological innovation under a deal with Israel that aims to promote programs and activities to strengthen research and development (R&D) cooperation and establish a framework for support, including financial aid.
Israel is known as an innovation nation, whether it be on science or military technologies.
The deals include exchange of information on R&D laws, regulations, practices or policies; joint seminars, symposia, conferences and workshops; joint business development, technology partnering missions, matchmaking initiatives and sharing of leads and opportunities; and collaborative research and development initiatives.
The initial priority areas for cooperation cover advanced and smart manufacturing technologies, agricultural technologies, clean technologies, artificial intelligence and internet of things, health sciences and biotechnology; and e-commerce.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez highlighted the innovation agreement as enhancing not only the countries’ capacities and competitiveness but will also develop and strengthen economic cooperation.
Israel Innovation Authority’s (IIA) Chief Scientist Ami Applebaum pointed out the mutual technological and commercial gains that could emerge given the two countries’ own strengths, expertise and market opportunities in complementary R&D areas.
He emphasized that “Israel has been supporting innovation and R&D through startup support leading to the creation of many breakthrough technologies.”
Twin measures boost R&D
Two important legislations, the Philippine Innovation Act and Innovative Startup Act, were legislated in 2019. These laws aimed to provide both fiscal and non-fiscal support to promote R&D, training and education as well as nurture the growth of a robust startup ecosystem.
Lopez stated that “with the increasing momentum among government agencies to build a healthy innovation ecosystem, the innovation agreement with Israel is a timely opportunity to forge potential R&D collaboration between Filipino companies and the academe with their respective Israeli counterparts.”
The trade chief likewise emphasized the importance of financial support by the government, saying, “the key success factor to Israel’s drive for innovation that must be adopted by the Philippines is the vibrant ecosystem and clear fund support by the government to selected startups with disruptive technologies and scalability.”
According to IIA Chief Scientist Dr. Applebaum, “The signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Israel Innovation Authority and DTI represents a significant step forward in technological cooperation between the countries. In joint and coordinated work, both parties will be able to lead joint technological initiatives and projects, mainly in the private sector, both in R&D and in piloting in a wide range of areas including Agri-tech, Food-tech, Health-Tech and Climate-tech.”
Meanwhile, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss expressed his optimism about using innovation to strengthen the trade relations between the two countries. He said, “It has been my strong vision as Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines to form bridges of innovation between our two countries. With this agreement, we look forward to the implementation and building of these bridges that will be beneficial to address together with the existing and future challenges. I believe the agreement will also help in creating more job opportunities as well as in improving the well-being and daily life of many Filipinos and Israelis alike.”