Location SARIO The Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) organized a series of business meetings in the State of Israel from the 27th of November till 1st of December 2011. Due to Israel being highly developed in the field of technology and science, it belongs to the strategic target countries of Slovakia. During the visit, the agency focused on meetings with potential investors – successful Israeli companies, institutions and R&D centers and incubators. SARIO was represented by Robert Simoncic, CEO of SARIO, Andrea Gulova, Deputy CEO and project managers at more than 15 meetings. One of the major meetings was with the Chief Scientist representative, an institution responsible for research and development. The representative introduced the Israeli strategy in the field of science, technology and development, Israel’s involvement in European projects and possibilities of cooperation with Slovakia. In Israel there are four major technological centers in Jerusalem, Haifa, Tel Aviv and Beer Sheva, mainly focusing on IT and software development, communication systems and devices, natural science, medical technology, etc. Especially strong field is the cleantech research. Specific meetings took place with key research and development centers such was the RAD BioMed Accelerator in the field of medical science, RAD Data Communications from the IT field or with Haifa’s Business Accelerator or Economic Cooperation facilities. SARIO met up with its counterpart in Israel, the Invest in Israel institution with the intention to exchange experience and knowledge in the field of attracting investments and retain companies within the country. The forms of state incentives were also assessed and compared from the perspective of both countries.
