Israel and Palestine – Innovation and Technology Study Tour
This 5-day intensive tour is designed to immerse you in an area of the world described by The Economist as an “economic miracle”, noting that Israel now has more high-tech start-ups and a larger venture capital industry per capita than any other country in the world.
Israel is a first-tier innovation hub, second in the world only to Silicon Valley in its concentration of start-up companies. It has more companies on the tech-oriented NASDAQ stock exchange than any country outside the US – and more than all of Europe and India combined.
You’ll observe first-hand the Israeli high-tech industry, and learn how entrepreneurs generate new ideas, assemble teams, start up new ventures, and create successful innovative companies across multiple sectors. You’ll attend workshops and company visits and conduct field research on designated themes to collect further primary data to use in your syndicate assignments.
The aim of this module is to expose you to a vibrant technological environment in both Israel and the young emerging tech industry of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. You’ll be able to explore the technological ecosystem in the different stages of business growth and development – including insights from not only entrepreneurs, but also venture capitalists, government offices, technological incubators, and established technology companies.
You’ll also be able to reflect on the way Israel’s culture, environment and strategy create centres of innovation, and gain deeper insight into Palestinian entrepreneurial challenges. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on the role of business and ethics in leading change and economic growth in conflict-affected areas.
Note that international electives are subject to a specific allocation process, which will be explained during the programme. Given the popularity of international electives, places cannot be guaranteed.