The state of Connecticut and an Israeli technology association have entered a collaborative agreement following years of summit gatherings and a trade mission this month by state officials.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced the memorandum of understanding with the Israel Tech Transfer Organization in a Tuesday press release. The goal is to encourage more economic collaboration between businesses and universities in the two states.
The Israel Tech Transfer Organization is a nonprofit group representing the country’s technology transfer companies, according to the press release. The group is affiliated with institutions like the Weizmann Institute of Science, The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, The Technion, and Tel Aviv University.
During the past three years, the MetroHartford Alliance and the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford have hosted annual Connecticut-Israel Technology Summits to help build partnerships between companies and institutions.
This month Economic and Community Development Commissioner Catherine Smith participated in a trade delegation to Israel to encourage networking in some of the state’s industries aerospace, biotechnology, and precision manufacturing.
In a statement, Malloy said Connecticut needs to increase its global presence if it wants to ensure its long-term economic growth.
“We are making sure that industry leaders all over the world recognize what we have to offer here in Connecticut and letting them know our state is a great place to enter or expand in the North American market,” he said.
Smith said the Israeli organization will be an innovative partner for Connecticut.
The agreement “establishes the basis for a long-term relationship that will increase collaboration and investments in key areas such as research and development, science and manufacturing,” she said.