“I call Israel the Innovation Nation. The future belongs to those who innovate”

Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 23 January 2014-
Against a backdrop of the humanitarian catastrophe in Syria and ongoing transformations in Middle East politics, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu focused on Israel’s strong economy and potential as a “science and technology incubator” for global business. He argued that advancing economic peace is an important complement to political peace and that Israelis, Palestinians and Arab neighbours would benefit from economic growth in Israel.

Netanyahu referred to a number of foreign delegations that have visited to “crack the code of Israel” and understand why the country’s macroeconomic outlook and climate for entrepreneurship are both strong. “Israel is often called a start-up nation. I call it the innovation nation,” he said.

He focused on advances in two areas in particular where Israel’s competitive advantage could benefit its partners. Firstly, the nation is a global leader in sustainability in terms of renewable energy, water and food production. Secondly, Israel has invested heavily in cyber security. “We are making, as a government, a massive investment in this area,” Netanyahu said, and invited global investors to become partners in benefiting from Israel’s advances in these areas.

Netanyahu also reasserted his belief in the need for advancing negotiations for peace in the region. “I’m ready for peace. I’m ready for a real, secure genuine peace,” he said. However, advancement of peace must be built on two foundations of mutual recognition and strong security arrangements, he claimed.