Background

Biotechnology has been one of the main beneficiaries of Israel's very high national investment in R & D, and is considered to be the next champion of Israel's high tech industry.

The sector provides an ideal example of cooperation between private industry and the country's universities. Thirty five percent of Israel's academic scientists work in the life sciences and account for 40% to 50% of funding for academic research. Projected export revenue of the Israeli Biotech sector is $US1.66 Billion by the year 2003.

 

Closer co-operation between Australia and Israel's biotechnology industry has a number of important benefits including the high commitment of R&D in Israel representing opportunities for Australian biotech companies seeking to develop new technologies. Further, Israel makes an excellent partner for collaborative marketing arrangements into Eastern and Western Europe and the USA, through free trade agreements. Business relations may also help Australian biotech companies gain access to a wider international network of venture capital and funding for R&D projects.

The Australian department of Science Industry and Resources has established a biotechnological taskforce to assist in the development of this industry in Australia. This sector in Australia shares many common characteristics and interests with Israel, and it is an area where the potential for joint ventures and research exchange is growing.

 

Research

• Research Israeli industry links.
• Research Australian industry links.