18 Using the statistics from Israel’s CBS, Israeli total exports to Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland increased 9.4% in 2020 on the previous year, while Israeli imports jumped 4.5%, during the destabilizing and ongoing Corona pandemic. Israeli exports to Sweden went up the most – almost 22% - with modest jumps for Norway and Denmark. While exports to Finland fell slightly, there was, nevertheless, a 30% jump in Israeli imports from Finland. Nevertheless, numbers are only part of the story. Beyond these stats, there is a strong desire for collaborations. Ranking the world’s 60 most innovative countries, Bloomberg’s Innovation Index showed Israel and theNordiccountries tobe similarlywell placed. Israel was ranked Israel in first place for the fourth year in a row in “research and development intensity,” regaining also top spot in research concentration. Overall, across all criteria, Israel placed 7th, behind Sweden in 5th, Denmark in 6th and ahead of Finland in 8th in the report published in February 2021. “The Nordic region is rich in natural resources and in the forefront of specific sectors such as maritime, life science and technology,” says Jens Krogh Petersen, Head of Corporate in DLA Piper’s Copenhagen office. He adds: “A vast and vibrant start-up scene gives a possibility to find upcoming tech innovations and an ability to share best practice. Environmental awareness is also high in the region which gives a high focus on renewable energy, such as wind, solar and hydro power. The Nordic region is also financially prosperous and a region of 27 million people. The governments support innovation through a range of different measures and support schemes available to the start-ups.” This leads to a natural partnership with Israel. Deborah Koplovitz, head of the Nordic practice at law firm Herrick, agrees. “We believe there are numerous opportunities for Nordic and Israeli partnership, not just because the UN’s SDGs favor partnerships, but because these countries all share reliance upon and familiarity with quasiGovernmental organizations such as Innovation Norway, Innovation Fund Denmark, and Vinnova in Sweden, whose aims are all to foster innovation and provide funding for their domestic companies.” “Just like Israel, Sweden is one of the world’s most innovative countries and has a large number of start-ups and unicorns per capita,” added Joanna Many common values and moving in a positive direction Israel and the Nordics are natural partners Many common values and moving in a positive direction
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