The framework – the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor Global Enterprise R&D Cooperation Framework – now has 24 members. It works by finding Israeli technologies that fit with companies’ needs, and the OCS provides research and development funding. Companies then match this investment, either by funding the R&D or by allocating necessary resources.
“Scientific collaboration is more important than ever as we work to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” said DuPont senior vice president and chief science and technology officer Douglas Muzyka. “The OCS provides an excellent framework to connect DuPont with new science companies in Israel. Through DuPont global science and tapping into local talent, we believe we can create new solutions for our customers worldwide.”
The framework is intended to benefit Israeli firms by giving them access to global growth opportunities – and to benefit multinational companies by encouraging the development of technologies that are specific to their requirements.
Muzyka signed the OCS R&D cooperation agreement with DuPont technology and innovation director EMEA Simone Arizzi.
Arizzi said the agreement would help DuPont identify collaboration opportunities and accelerate the pace of innovation in the markets where the company operates.
“Israel offers tremendous opportunities for innovation in the areas of food, energy and protection of people and the environment which are critical to DuPont,” he said.
Chief scientist Avi Hasson said that the framework has become the preferred entry point for many multinationals looking to partner with Israeli firms on R&D.