Research and Innovation background
Israel’s R&I framework is anchored in legislative support and strategy documents. Key documents include:
- Law for Encouragement of Research and Development in Industry (1984): This foundational law established the operational framework for R&D in Israel, promoting private sector involvement and facilitating funding. The most recent amendment to this law established the National Authority for Technological Innovation, which now oversees the creation of guidelines and issuance of funding for innovation.
- National Authority for Technological Innovation: This authority oversees guidelines and funding for innovation, aiming to enhance the competitive edge of Israeli industries through research and development.
Institutional framework of transport research
Israel’s R&I framework consists of key ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, with designated responsibilities for supporting transport innovation.
- Ministry of Science and Technology: Government body responsible for R&D at a political level. It creates and implements the short and long-term scientific policy with the objective of improving Israel’s knowledge and research infrastructure, to maximize the benefit from the knowledge amassed by researchers at Israel’s research institutions in order to facilitate research with the potential for realistic application. Focused on excellence and positioning Israel as a country at the forefront of science and technology, the Ministry sets scientific priorities in order to enhance its human and physical infrastructure, establish international scientific relations and leverage Israel’s relative advantages. Moreover, the Ministry aims to bring science to the community, strengthen sectors with a minor presence in scientific fields and develop scientific studies in the periphery. The Ministry of Science and Technology is responsible for the National Infrastructure Programme, whereby thematic research centres are given financial support.
- Ministry of Transport and Road Safety: Responsible for transport policy and the planning, development and regulation of infrastructure and integrated transport systems. It contributes to the research agenda by informing the Ministry of Science and Technology of research priorities. The Ministry is supported by:
- National Road Safety Authority: Focuses on enhancing road safety through research and policy.
- Israel Airports Authority and Civil Aviation Authority: Responsible for air transport infrastructure, including safety research and international cooperation
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Current ongoing national programmes
Israel’s transport R&I projects receive funding from various national and international sources, supporting innovation across sectors. Key funding programmes include:
- Israel Science Foundation (ISF): Israel’s leading organisation that provides public support for basic research in Israel. Their mission is to promote Israeli basic research through a “bottom-up” approach initiated by talented, curiosity-driven individuals, and to nurture entrepreneurship among the scientific research community. Such initiatives inspire the establishment of a variety of ISF programs and funding opportunities. All grants awarded by the ISF are selected based on scientific excellence and vetted through a competitive peer-review process.
- Israeli Innovation Authority: Creates, coordinates and operates the national funding programmes in industry. It operates under the Ministry of Economy and government and Parliament (Knesset) Committees regarding innovation in industry. The Israeli R&D Directorate for the European Research Area (ISERD) is the sector within the Innovation Authority responsible for Israel’s role in European programmes.
- MAGNET Programme: Provides funding for collaborative R&D between industry and academia, fostering long-term innovation, including in transport technologies.
International Cooperation Programmes:
- Binational Research Funds: Israel maintains cooperative research funds with with countries including the US, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, and India.
- European Research Area (ERA): Israel participates in ERA initiatives, gaining access to broader funding opportunities.
- Centres for the Fourth Revolution (C4IR): Israel is part of this global network which promotes advances in AI, IoT, and other emerging technologies.
A full list of ongoing national and international programmes can be found on the Israeli Innovation Authority's website.
(Last updated: 01/09/2023)