Israel’s scientific and technological advances are not a novelty restricted to the year 2021. However, in historical terms, this information has surprised and impressed many countries with advanced economies in recent decades.

The country, which has an area equivalent to half the state of Rio de Janeiro, with only 22,145 km² and 8.78 million people, has existed for 73 years; this means that, in addition to being small, it is notably younger than many other nations.

The search for reasons for it to be considered a huge reference in areas related to science and technology attracts many other countries that wish to establish a similar scenario. In this article, we have separated some of the “secret” reasons that allowed this precious development to happen.

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Here are some impressive pieces of data:

• Israel is one of the countries that most invests in Research and Development in relation to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP);

• In 30 years, its population has doubled and its GDP has grown by 400%.
• It has reduced its public debt by more than 76%, also in 30 years.
• It is the country with the largest number of authors with publications in the fields of natural sciences, engineering, agriculture, and medicine;
• 11 Israeli citizens are among the Nobel Prize laureates in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and Peace, with around 20% of the Nobel Prizes awarded to citizens of Jewish descent.

In addition to these factors, which enable the creation of enormous conditions to foster the development of science and technology, there is another factor that represents an advantage: the enormous weight of investment in military service, which is mandatory for both men and women. 

The Israeli army has strong support from the Israeli government, which constantly encourages the development of new technologies and combat techniques. And, more than money, the army has quality people, especially its Elite Division, which is responsible for developing cutting-edge technology. 

This combination of the army as a hub for innovation, notable incentives to research and science, and a results-oriented culture, generates creative energy. In turn, this is the fuel that drives the generation of new business in Israel, and it was what enabled the structuring of an entire country in a few years.

And none of this would be possible with a self-centered vision in a highly globalized and competitive world. Israel grew, not just for its own sustenance and development, but in order to become a technological hub for the rest of the world. Thus, in addition to being a great reference in terms of technology and science, it also manages to be an excellent reference for social and cultural values.