Israels higher education as element of innovation development

The author raisesthe question of the impact of Israeli government higher education policy and academic institutions funding on Israeli scientific andtechnological potential, Israeli economy competitiveness and further national development. In the 21st century, Israel is faced with theexceedingly demanding challenge of development, growth, and renewal in an increasingly dynamic and competitive world. Israel derivesgreat strength and technological excellence from its human capital along with the academic and technological infrastructure it has developed.The creation of modern Israeli economy with the high-tech sector predominance would have been impossible without the high-class systemof higher education and the critical mass of scientists, researchers, highly educated, qualified and creative manpower. Israel is a leadinginnovative nation in numerous fields. Israel is blessed with creative and innovative minds, and thus, is capable of transforming new ideas intoproducts of high added value within a short period of time with a modest budget. A fundamental principle of the vision of the State of Israelis the understanding that reliance on human capital and knowledge has been the most fitting and natural choice. Education, R&D, andtechnological innovation have been the key success factors to the nations economic and social development, as well as the basis for itsnational strength. Israel has chosen to invest more in innovation and human resources than in infrastructure. Education is the major source forknowledge sharing and creating high quality human resources. Israels ability to harness education for creating innovative knowledge andmotivation to develop high-tech in the future is a core capability, which provides growth potential and a long-term competitive advantage.The Israeli government considers education an important measure for preparing the new generation for the future. Therefore, Israel's totalexpenditure on education as a percentage of GDP has the highest rate in comparison with other OECD countries. 42% of Israelis between theages of 25-34 have completed at least tertiary education. Israel has world-class education institutions. Research is carried out in Israel'sseven universities, five technical colleges, and ten specialized research institutes. Six of the universities are ranked among the best in theworld: The Hebrew University in Jerusalem is in the top 100. The Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University and theWeizmann Institute of Science are in the top 200. Bar-Ilan University and Ben Gurion University are in the top 300. In a survey conductedby The Global Competitiveness Report 2010-2011, Israel ranked first in quality of scientific research institutions out of 125 countries thattook part in the survey. This data demonstrates the high reputation of Israel's academic institutions in the eyes of its citizens. Israel has ahighly educated workforce along with first class educational institutions. The quality of Israel's human resources is unmatched; Israel has 140scientists and technicians per 10,000 employees, more than any other developed country. Israel has 135 engineers per 10,000 employees,which is the most concentrated number of engineers in the world. According to the Global Competitiveness Report of 2006, Israel wasranked first in availability of scientists and engineers. The human factor is the most important link in the process of value creation. Thus, thesuccess of this process depends on the development and renewal of human resources, and its very important to understand the way theIsraeli higher education system has developed.

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