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THE INNOVATION NATION
Innovation, or the process of introducing new ideas, devices and methods in order to
revolutionize an accepted concept, is today, more than ever, the driving force behind global
trends. Though innovation has had a transformative role in history for centuries, at no point
has its direct influence on humanity been greater than at the present. At the forefront of
global innovative trends is an unforeseen leader - a Middle Eastern country with a population
of 8 million – Israel, the world’s Innovation Nation.
When CEO and founder of Microsoft Bill Gates visited Israel in 2005, he was struck by the
richness of Israel’s technology sector, as well as its inherent diversity and creative energy.
“People in high tech are very aware that Israel – compared to its small size – has some
amazing technological achievements. There is a greater concentration of talented high tech
manpower here in comparison to other countries – almost to the extent of Silicon Valley,”
stated Gates during his visit. Though his comments were made over a decade ago, they still
ring true today, as Israel emanates its culture of risk-taking, entrepreneurship and innovation
like a beacon unto the nations.