Abstract
The historical context of the Israeli defense industry is reviewed
to identify the circumstances conducive to the emergence of R & D
networks through which major defense firms are pursuing defense conversion
today. Technology policies, organizational strategies, and the institutionalization
of a particular view of national security, have influenced the membership
structures of these networks and allowed few rich firms rather than
many industrial firms to gain access to an increased pool of advanced
technological knowledge. The case of the largest defense firm in
Israel is presented and the system of R & D networks within the MAGNET
Program is described. The paper argues that Israel needs an explicit
diffusion-oriented policy for technology as well as open networks
to involve relevant stakeholders in the country (e.g. small firms,
development organizations, and entrepreneurs). The paper details
policy conclusions and emphasizes the feasibility to learn through
networks, the need to recruit government leadership, to formulate
and implement a coordinated policy for the management of the national
innovation system, and above all, to expand the concept of national
security so as to include social and economic aspects at individual
and collective levels.
Users
Please
log in to take part in the discussion (add own reviews or comments).