Science & Technology For National Development – The Case Of Israel’s Space Program
- Paper number
IAC-07-E3.4.10
- Author
Mrs. Deganit Paikowsky, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- Coauthor
Isaac Ben Israel, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- Coauthor
- Year
2007
- Abstract
In the last 25 years Israel has created an advanced and sophisticated aerospace industry. The Israeli space program, established in the early 1980s, was motivated mainly by defense necessities and the need to develop self-sufficiency in leading edge systems. The Israeli defense sector, government, industry and academy are all involved in research, development, construction, launching and operating of a series of space projects. It is largely thanks to dedicated devotees and productive partnership between academia, industry and governmental organizations that it exists. This paper will review the interconnections between academy, industry, and national defense systems, which were created in Israel over time in process of growth of space industry and space technologies' research and development and its impact on Israel’s space capabilities and economy in an attempt to identify the characteristics which made this partnership so effective. The paper will present three interrelated arguments: 1. On its early years Israel suffered lack of development. Defense and security problems as well as many other problems. Aiming for a way to solve problems Israel developed a national strategic conception and policy emphasizing Quality parameters, inter alia, Science and Technology as key elements in solving national problems. 2. A special cooperation and responsiveness developed between the Academy, Industry and National Defense Sector. This cooperation is based on close relationships between personnel of the different sectors and their acquaintanceship of each others culture organization and missions. The proximity between industrial installations, academy and national defense institutions, is based on "small country" familiarity networking and relations created during compulsory and reserve military service. The fact that everyone has first-hand knowledge of some defense and national affairs and short lines of knowledge transformation allow better understanding, short time development processes as well as lower development costs. 3. The national conception together with the special cooperation described above, supported by national investments, resulted in the initiative of scientific and technological projects by national institutions, among them the space program. These, projects allowed the development of knowledge communities, well trained and qualified work force, and advanced industrial infrastructure. The result was a fast development of the state of Israel, which is enjoying today a modern space program as well as high-tech industry, economy and society. Finally, this paper will ask what can sustain this partnership as a major driving force of the Israeli space program. And what can be learned by other similar actors seeking to enhance their space activities and capabilities for development and advanced society? The paper is based on a comprehensive research including interviews among top experts in the Israeli space sector.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E3.4.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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