HIT Chairman Warns Israel Must Develop Independent Tech Capabilities as Major Firms Exit
Pinchas (Pini) Cohen, Chairman of the Board at Holon Institute of Technology (HIT) and Chairman of the Noy Fund, addressed the future of Israeli industry at a conference hosted by Calcalist and HIT in Holon on Wednesday. Cohen emphasized that the traditional academic model is obsolete in an era where knowledge rapidly multiplies, especially with artificial intelligence accelerating information analysis. He called for redefining the role of academia in the 21st century to better align with economic realities and student needs, focusing on value creation and problem-solving rather than just theoretical study.
Cohen highlighted a critical shortage of skilled professionals in engineering, technology, and medicine in Israel, describing it as a direct threat to the country's growth. He noted fierce competition for talent and the urgent need to train tens of thousands of engineers, developers, and data scientists. Cohen expressed a desire to establish a civil engineering faculty to address infrastructure needs, pointing out that major companies like GE, Siemens, and Mitsubishi have left Israel in recent years. He warned that Israel must develop independent technological and engineering capabilities to avoid isolation and maintain its industrial strength.
Discussing defense cooperation, Cohen revealed that Israel has provided the US with significant technological benefits far exceeding the $3.8 billion aid package over the past decade, citing intellectual property and upgrades to the F-35 fighter jets. He described efforts to integrate academia with industry through partnerships with Israel Aerospace Industries, the Electric Company, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, allowing students to engage in real-world projects from the start of their studies.
Cohen called for official support from the Council for Higher Education to recognize applied learning alongside theoretical studies, shortening the gap between academia and the labor market. He also stressed the need to improve STEM education at all levels, from kindergarten through high school, to address declining performance in math and physics and to cultivate algorithmic thinking from an early age. Cohen warned that the shortage of science teachers and educational disparities threaten Israel's economic future and its status as a "light unto the nations."
