Economy05:00 · 1h ago

Israeli Officials Call to End 'Periphery' Label, Promote AI to Boost Regional Growth

Calcalist

Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba

Key points

01Yohanan Mali calls to eliminate the 'periphery' concept, saying it is not a fixed fate.
02Technology and AI can drive growth in peripheral regions if adopted by government and industry.
03State involvement is needed in high-risk areas like Kiryat Shmona to encourage development.
04High-tech should serve as both an economic and social engine to reduce social gaps.
05AI can democratize technology use, helping traditional industries and local authorities advance.
06Leadership and proactive use of AI are essential to create real opportunities and change.

In this story

People

Yohanan Mali, Dana Nissel, Nadir Yizraeli, Michal Sarig Kaduri, Meir Orbach

OrganizationsMinistry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience, Calcalist, Bank Leumi, Clal, Armis, WIX, We Came

PlacesDimona, Kiryat Shmona, Matola, Yeruham, Sderot, Kiryat Ata, Israel

The story · English

Yohanan Mali, CEO of the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience, declared at the Calcalist National Economic Conference that the term "periphery" should be eliminated from Israeli discourse, arguing it is not a predetermined fate to be perpetuated. Speaking on a panel about high-tech's role in reducing social gaps and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into local authorities and traditional industries, Mali emphasized that technology can drive growth in outlying areas if actively adopted by the government, local authorities, and industry.

Mali highlighted that while places like Dimona have excellent education systems, outdated perceptions persist. He acknowledged challenges remain but stressed the need for state involvement in higher-risk areas such as Kiryat Shmona to encourage development. Mali noted that local authorities adopting AI could transform faster than waiting for high-tech companies to relocate there.

Dana Nissel, CEO of the "We Came" organization, described high-tech as not only an economic engine but also a social one, capable of creating a better social future by collaborating with local governments and industries. Co-founder and CTO of Armis, Nadir Yizraeli, shared his personal story of social mobility from Kiryat Ata to founding a successful tech company, underscoring the importance of timely opportunities rather than favors.

Michal Sarig Kaduri, government relations manager at WIX, stressed that despite current business challenges, high-tech remains socially influential and should not be viewed solely through ESG lenses. The panelists agreed AI could democratize technology use, with Mali suggesting that junior tech workers could help traditional industries implement AI, and Sarig Kaduri emphasizing leadership and initiative as crucial to leveraging AI effectively. Yizraeli concluded that AI empowers business owners everywhere, enabling better management without replacing people but rather enhancing those who use it.

Read the original at Calcalist