Governor Doyle Signs Collaborative Agreement with Israel

For Immediate Release: November 17, 2009
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Haya Peri, Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor, 972-50-6240333

TEL AVIV, Israel - Governor Jim Doyle today signed a bilateral collaborative trade agreement between Israel and Wisconsin on research and development. The agreement, signed by Governor Doyle and Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Ben-Eliezer, promotes collaboration and a strong working relationship between Wisconsin and Israel in research and development.

Governor Jim Doyle and Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Benjamin Ben-Eliezer signing the collaborative agreement in Tel Aviv. The photo is provided by Kefir Sivan/Israel Son.

"Wisconsin and Israel share a strong past and a bright future in research and technology development," Governor Doyle said. "This agreement creates an important framework for Israel's and Wisconsin's scientists, engineers and researchers to embark on ground-breaking research and development in many promising fields, especially water technology."

"Israel and Wisconsin have a strong history of working together," Minister Ben-Eliezer said. "We believe that there is still an outstanding potential to enhance our collaboration."

The bilateral cooperative agreement commits to investing in research and development and sharing innovative ideas that will help Wisconsin and Israel compete in the global market. Successful partnerships through Badger Meter and Miltel, among many other companies, have made Wisconsin and Israel strong trade partners. This agreement builds on vital partnerships and commits to future collaboration.

The agreement commits to investing in partnerships in research and development (R&D) in Wisconsin and Israel's private businesses. The agreement names several areas for collaboration including:

• Promoting private sector activities to intensify bilateral industrial R&D cooperation;
• Identifying opportunities for partnerships beyond Israel and Wisconsin that could advance their research and development efforts;
• Coordinating government resources to promote R&D opportunities; and
• Establishing a framework to financially support joint R&D projects that could lead to commercialization in the global market.

There is tremendous potential for Wisconsin and Israel to collaborate in water technology, biotechnology, advanced agriculture, renewable energy and health care research and development. While the agreement specifically calls on private businesses to work together, Governor Doyle is also committed to putting the state's public research institutions and resources to work in Wisconsin's collaborative R&D efforts.

Governor Doyle is leading a delegation of Wisconsin business and government leaders on a trade mission to Israel this week, November 16-20, 2009. The trade mission focuses on industries that offer great promise for increasing exports to Israel, especially in the area of water technology. Later today, Governor Doyle will address the 5th Annual International Water Technologies, Renewable Energy and Environmental Control Exhibition (WATEC) to highlight Wisconsin's leadership in water technology research and development.

To view the full text of the agreement, visit: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=18357.

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