At the beginning of the year he was appointed third most innovative country in the world from World Economic Forumwhich emphasised the volume of investment, growing at a rate thirty times higher than in Europe.
Then in February, the Bloomberg had ranked it fifth among the Most advanced countriesin a list - which sees it right behind South Korea, Japan, Germany and Finland - based on the criteria of percentage of GDP for R&D investment, productivity, number of new patents, concentration of researchers, percentage of graduates and number of high-tech companies.
Let's talk of Israela land that is not expected in these terms, accustomed by now to the dramatic historical stories that have accompanied it for centuries.
Yet, far from being a paradox, this is how it is. Israel is the third largest country in the world in terms of artificial intelligence start-upssecond only to the United States and China, and its economy has grown more than any other in the last 15 years, becoming a true model to be replicated, an example not only of financial but also of cultural and social development.
Detailing this seemingly surprising rise is the Dr Luigi De Santis, since 2015 Honorary Consul of Israel in Italythe only one to hold this prestigious position in our country, and the youngest honorary consul of a foreign state appointed in our country.
Vice President of ANCE Giovani Nazionale, President of ANCE Giovani Puglia, Central Councillor of Confindustria Giovani e founder of the Bari delegation of the Young Fai (Italian Environmental Fund), De Santis recounts the successes of an extraordinary land and the commitment, full of satisfaction and responsibility, lavished in recent years to foster economic, tourist and cultural exchanges between Apulia and Israel.
"These years of consulship - explains - have seen relations intensify between two lands that hold each other in high esteem: while Israelis look up to Italy for the cultural and artisan excellence that has always distinguished it, Italy, and especially Apulia, have also found Israel to be a generous land, capable of investing so much in ideas and ambitious projects, giving ample opportunity for expression to many Italian talents in various fields: from design to architecture, from tourism to gastronomy, without forgetting numerous other sectors such as construction and quality craftsmanship'.
He continues: "Today, Israel is truly a model to be pursued: there is no index of per capita contribution to humanity, yet if it existed, it would see Israel in first place. Tel Aviv is the third largest hub after San Francisco and London and is one of the smartest ecosystems on the planet. Back in 2014, at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, it earned the Smart Cities Award, beating out competition from 250 cities around the world. Between 2014 and 2018, investments in Israeli agribusiness start-ups reached USD 800 million, with a total of around 700 companies and significant foreign involvement'.
The network is another key aspect that tells the story of today's approach of this country, which has international ambitions by focusing on theconscious and sustainable innovation.
In addition to being the world's largest technology major, Israel stands out for its cyber securityprogress in the aerospace, pharmaceutical and defence sectors; not to mention that it is now the state with the most urban greenery and adopts a type of water management that is a water model to be imitated. It is a tourist destination, a breeding ground for young and brilliant minds in a wide variety of fields, and a great magnet for investment and ideas.
'An innovation - continues De Santis - that goes hand in hand with sustainability: from agriculture, with innovative state-of-the-art irrigation systems and the most mature and hi-tech on a global level, to urban and private construction with intelligent and environmentally friendly buildings; results that are now there for all to see. Above all, Israel has become, with its development and the importance given by companies to talent from all over the world, one of the greatest centres of design and culture. Here, in fact, professionals, architects, designers and artists are pouring in, putting their professionalism and creativity at the service of the country and with maximum freedom of expression'.
A state, therefore, that thrives on research, pursues progress and sets an example to the world, where ideas meet capital from all over the planet, symbol of the most avant-garde international architecturewith more than 4,000 buildings constructed in the Bauhaus style, efficient lighting, disciplined traffic patterns, a dynamic and disciplined urban life, where best practices start with the citizen; a city of innovative design, fine materials, among the most interesting Smart Nation.
"In a dimension and direction of dialogue and respect - concluded Consul De Santis - relations between Italy and Israel continue, aware that this dialogue will lead to new investments and opportunities for cultural exchange and business. Culture, beauty, and constant communication will be the levers that will bring value to our countries, triggering a virtuous circle, played on the multiculturalismspace for new ideas, stimuli and opportunities that we will continue to create'.
Photo credits: Valentina Pellegrino
