The Enterprise as Product

Abstract

Israel high tech is an industry of start-ups—small, research and development-focused companies that have been able to thrive in Israel due to a highly conducive environment. Technology entrepreneurs are supported by a well-developed network of financial, institutional, and governmental supports buttressed by the country’s reputation as “Start-Up Nation.” The industry’s current strengths are in defense-related technologies, especially cybersecurity; telecommunications; web analytics and big data; and biotechnology. But the ability to develop digital technology in one realm easily transfers to others; thus, the Israeli industry is constantly expanding into new segments. Start-up companies provide the economy with value-added, but they rarely evolve into big, sustainable companies that provide lasting and large-scale employment and income. As a result, Israel’s tech sector has been plateauing in terms of employment and exports.