The Joint Israeli-Italian Commission set up under the Bilateral Agreement for Industrial, Scientific and Technological Cooperation met on 22 October 2014 in Tel Aviv. The aim of the meeting was to select joint research and development projects in both the industrial and academic spheres to be funded in 2014. Another aim was to establish the scientific cooperation instruments to be put in place in 2015, including through the research element of forthcoming industrial and academic calls to tender.
Promoting innovation through joint research and development
The Agreement is a concrete driver provided by the institutions to promote the growth of human capital and of the Italian economy. It is a key benchmark for the scientific world and for Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their relations with Israel. The Agreement also enables funding for numerous instruments of a high scientific value (industrial and academic tenders for joint R&D projects, joint laboratories, exchanges of researchers and PhD students between the two countries’ research centres, and conferences). The overall aim is to promote innovation through joint R&D initiatives by Israeli and Italian scientists.
Bi-national prize dedicated to the memory of Rita Levi Montalcini
The Joint Commission also approved a new Bi-National Prize for scientific cooperation, dedicated to the memory of Rita Levi Montalcini.
During the proceedings, the Commission established the implementation plans for scientific and technological cooperation between Italy and Israel, which attract about 5 million euros each year in funding. At the end of the meeting, Commission members were invited to the residence of the Italian Ambassador in Israel, Francesco M. Talò, for meetings with leading members of the Israeli and Italian academic, industrial and scientific communities. Also taking part was the Israeli Minister for Energy and Water Resources, Silvan Shalom, who underscored the excellent level of cooperation between the two countries in the scientific and energy sectors.
