đ¨R&D: The True Engine of Global Power
In the race for technological dominance, Israel stands far aheadâinvesting a stunning 6.3% of its GDP into research and development (R&D), nearly double the share of the U.S. Despite limited land, scarce water, and no major natural resources, Israel has built a tech empire powered by innovation.
Here, the state, military, and private sector work as one. Elite army units like Unit 8200 serve as incubators for tech talentâtraining young minds in cybersecurity, AI, and analytics. After military service, many launch startups that export cutting-edge technologies globally.
But look eastâChina is rising fast. While its R&D share of GDP is âjustâ 2.6%, the absolute numbers are massive. Since 2000, Chinaâs R&D investment has surged 18x, reaching $723 billion in 2023âsecond only to the U.S. and EU combined. The trend is clear: China is aiming not to catch up, but to lead.
R&D isnât just a budget lineâitâs a preview of a nationâs future. Countries that ignore it risk falling behind in the digital age.
Question: Do you believe traditional industrial power still mattersâor will the future belong to the smartest investors in innovation?