TEL AVIV, Israel — In the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas onslaught on Israel, Startup Nation Central has adapted its approach to continue fostering international relationships through Israeli innovation. Avi Hasson, CEO of the Tel Aviv-based nonprofit, emphasized that while operations have shifted to a more discreet mode, the organization’s commitment to innovation diplomacy remains steadfast.
Startup Nation Central is dedicated to strengthening Israel’s innovation ecosystem by building partnerships with countries that have signed the Abraham Accords, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, as well as nations like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia that have yet to formalize relations with Israel. “Our mission is to strengthen Israel’s innovation ecosystem, given the important role it plays in its economy and its global standing,” Hasson told JNS recently.
The concept of innovation diplomacy has transformed the dynamics of international trade and collaboration. Rather than merely opening the Emirati market to Israeli companies, Hasson noted that the UAE has become a customer for Israeli high-tech solutions. “We sat down with ministries, corporate bodies, universities, and hospitals to understand their needs and priorities,” he explained, highlighting the collaborative efforts to address national visions and specific technological requirements.
As Gulf countries seek to diversify their economies away from oil dependency, they are increasingly looking to Israel as a model for building a knowledge-based economy. “Forty percent of the Saudi GDP is based on oil, while 20% of Israel’s GDP comes from high-tech,” Hasson pointed out. This mutual interest in developing local innovation ecosystems presents a unique opportunity for collaboration.
In the defense sector, significant deals have already been established, with billion-dollar agreements signed with Morocco in areas such as drones and surveillance satellites. These partnerships are crucial in countering the Iranian-led “axis of resistance” and demonstrate the ongoing commitment to security cooperation in the region.
The bilateral trade between Israel and the UAE has reached impressive heights, totaling approximately $3 billion in 2024. This economic partnership underscores the enduring motivation behind the Abraham Accords, even as new sensitivities arise in the wake of regional conflicts. “The motivation that brought them to sign the accords did not disappear,” Hasson affirmed, emphasizing the importance of de-escalating tensions in Gaza.
Hasson also highlighted the potential for normalization with Saudi Arabia, which could unlock tremendous opportunities for mutual collaboration. “The national boundaries are irrelevant; we are all part of the same region that faces the same challenges, such as climate change,” he stated. By working together, countries in the region can develop innovative solutions that benefit not only their own populations but also the global community.
Looking ahead, Hasson remains optimistic about the future of the Abraham Accords and the potential for renewed relationships. He believes that collaboration in research and technology will create interdependencies and shared opportunities, particularly between Israel and the UAE. “Synergies are real,” he noted, pointing to endless possibilities for cooperation in fields such as space, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
In conclusion, the efforts of Startup Nation Central to promote innovation diplomacy exemplify the positive impact of the Abraham Accords. By fostering collaboration and understanding among nations, Israel is paving the way for a more prosperous and peaceful future in the region. As countries work together to address shared challenges, the potential for economic growth and technological advancement is limitless.