Models for Translational Medical Research in Israel
This project examines various models for the translation of academic discoveries ‘from bench to bedside’ to create innovative medications. The research examines how different countries in the world support basic biomedical academic discoveries and advance them towards industrial applications. The observation of these models can support the local pharmaceutical eco-system in leveraging Israel’s academic excellence to create societal and economic benefits. In addition, the research examines successful buildups of pharmaceutical eco-systems, in which the academy is a key player, in comparable countries such as Denmark and Singapore.
Industrial Symbiosis in the North of Israel
The term “Industrial Symbiosis” describes a situation in which an industry develops a symbiosis with another industry in a beneficial way for both parties, so that the waste of one organization can serve as raw materials for the other industry. As part of a pilot initiated by the Ministry of Economy, 4s LTD. promotes the project in the North of the country, with Dr. Fortuna and prof. Ayalon as consultants.
University-Industry Relations
Review and critical evaluation of university-industry relations based on data and quantitative indicators. Development of insights regarding optimal policy and models to balance between technology commercialization and technology transfer, which is largely based on cooperation with industry to support industrial research. Recommendations for policy steps based on the insights resolved, addressing the point of view of the well-being of society and national economy.
Cooperation Policy in Business and Science with East Asia
Within the national policy framework to expand cooperation with the East, an issue that was discussed in the past has been raised again in practical terms, namely the collaboration between Israeli industry and leading industries in China and India. Two large Israeli companies were recently acquired by leading companies of China and India; the company “Makhteshim Agan” was acquired by Chem China and the company “Taro” were acquired by Sun Pharma, a well-known Indian company.
Evaluating the NOFAR Program
The NOFAR program was conceived as part of the implementation of the recommendations made by the “Monitor Report,” and stresses the need to establish a fund to support the development of inventions in the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology that have a commercial potential in universities, so as to increase the chances of successful transfer of the technology from the academy to industry. The program helps build a bridge between the basic research and the applied research at the stage at which industry has not yet recognized the idea as having a commercial potential.
Evaluating the “Rothschild Fellowship” Program
The main goal of the research was to evaluate the impact of the program on the candidates’ careers and to assess their chances of pursuing academic careers in leading universities and research institutions in Israel. The research population included 359 candidates who applied to the program between 1996 and 2005. Three groups are included in the analysis: candidates who received the fellowship (Rothschild fellows), candidates who their application was turned down by the evaluation committee and candidates who chose to decline the fellowship.
Intellectual Property in the Government Sector: The State of Affairs
The goal of the study is to create an infrastructure for forming a policy on the issue of intellectual property rights to knowledge that constitutes a product of R&D activity that is funded by the government and executed by governmental agencies/civil servants. The aim is to consolidate recommendations on guidelines in order to build a strategy for managing intellectual property in accordance with the government R&D objectives and to study the implications of knowledge transfer owned by the government through the commercialization of intellectual property rights.
Israel 2028: Vision and Strategy for Israel
Continuing the efforts to actually implement the program “Israel 2028 – Socio Economic Vision and Strategy in Global World”, the Samuel Neaman Institute initiated several projects designated to prepare a multi-annual implementation programs, in collaboration with government agencies.
Energy Efficiency in the Milking Center of Ein Harod Ihud
The goal of this project was to examine means for the reduction of energy use or lowering energy costs in milking centers, and to propose measures that will include energy savings based on electricity and fuel consumption with a possible addition of solar energy, while meeting economical benefit criteria.
National Energy Technologies Research and Development Survey
This survey has been recently completed by the energy and environment team at the Samuel Neaman Institute, for the National Council for Research and Development (NCRD).