REHOVOT- In the past four years, Israel has dropped from second to fifth place when it comes to national scientific prowess, according to an index developed by Prof. Baruch Raz and Dr. Doron Gal.
The figures were presented on Thursday during the Rehovot Conference for science and technology.
The United States heads the list of science powerhouses, and is largely in a league of its own considering the gap between America and other countries.
The index’s developers noted that while Israel’s position has been declining, a considerable, ongoing boost in scientific abilities could be seen in Singapore, as well as other East Asian countries, such as Taiwan.
Bibi promises more funds
Meanwhile, a special report prepared for the conference warned that Israel’s research infrastructure is aging, a fact that also threatens the country’s scientific prowess. Also, figures presented at the conference showed 74 percent of all physicists and chemists in Israel are above 51 years of age, with most of them slated to retire in the next 15 years.
However, Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told conference participants the government is ready to take steps to ensure the country’s scientific decline is reversed.
In 2007, research and development budgets will grow, Netanyahu vowed.
Meanwhile, Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer stressed economic growth is possible only if Israel continued to stand at the forefront of technological innovation.
