Israeli Diplomats Now Undergo Technology Training

Israeli diplomats headed for overseas assignments now learn about technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship as part of their training, Andy David, who is the director of the innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology department at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with Calcalist Sunday.

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The program, which is developed in collaboration with the Israeli Innovation Authority, the Israeli Export Institute, the Ministries of Economy and Science and Technology, and local tech companies, will provide seminars, lectures, and training sessions to some 200-300 people each year, Mr. David said.

“In recent years, a real asset has been created for us here in Israel, with Israeli innovation serving as a magnet for foreign heads of state, business people, students and young people from all over the world,” Mr. David said. “We have a power that we diplomats must be able to understand and utilize,” he said. “We see innovation a very central tool in the diplomat’s toolbox.” As part of the new training, Israeli diplomats and Ministry of Foreign Affairs cadets will participate in seminars, lectures, and meetings with local entrepreneurs, tech startups, and companies.

A group of 30 diplomats headed for foreign posts participated in such a seminar held last week at the Labs shared office space, located in the Azrieli Sarona tower in central Tel Aviv. The group met with representatives of local tech companies, including Boom25 (UK) Ltd., Reach, and Spartans.