Informing
Policy
for Progress
March 2013

The Hawk vs. Dove debate

Shlomo Maital

Should the defense budget be cut? Can it be cut? And if so, by how much?

March 2013

Industry is not a dirty word

Zehev Tadmor

The new Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor, Naftali Bennett, is changing the name of the Ministry to the Ministry of Economy and Trade. It is not clear why Bennet is making this change but dropping the word “industry” runs contrary to current trends in the advanced western countries. In the past, it was thought that national economies can be based on financial and other services, technological innovation and internet, but the 2008 crisis proved that such economies are on shaky grounds and a strong industrial manufacturing component is essential to solidify the economy. Hence Bennet’s semantic change symbolically runs contrary to current trends and thinking.

March 2013

Start-up nation packs its bags

Shlomo Maital

Many Israeli startups are choosing to launch in America (specifically, Boston and Route 128), rather than in Israel.  We must act to keep them at home. 

March 2013

For them, it costs more

Gilead Fortuna

Only large companies benefit from the production of natural gas. Traditional industries will be left behind

February 2013

The debilitating brain drain

Shlomo Maital

Israel must find a way to ensure that its brightest minds remain at home rather than seek greener pastures abroad

February 2013

Middle class under siege

Shlomo Maital

Only coins and tadpoles have just a head and a tail; societies, in contrast, can’t survive and thrive without something in the middle

February 2013

The Startup Nation’s Scorched Earth

Giora Shalgi

Early exit often leaves scorched earth, because it allows knowledge buyers to easily complete the process of product transfer to a convenient environment for them – and disband the Israeli group.

January 2013

Neophyte politicos, tried businessmen

Shlomo Maital

Some fresh faces may help revitalize a Knesset that has lost respect and trust among ordinary Israelis.

December 2012

Ideas from Nature

Shlomo Maital

Scientists are drawing inspiration from the natural world, and using what they learn to help solve problems for humans

December 2012

The tale of the elephant and the mouse

Shlomo Maital

To strengthen its ties with China, Israel needs to leverage its reputation for innovation and creativity.