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Israel in London launch of ‘D5’ digital nations alliance

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Israel is one of five countries participating this week in the London launch of a digital alliance of countries dedicated to promoting digital economy and advancement.

The founding nations of the so-called D5 are the UK, Israel, South Korea, Estonia and New Zealand. However, the alliance is likely to be extended in the future and government representatives from the United States are attending this week’s conference as non-member observers. The two-day summit got underway yesterday and is being hosted by Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude. Culture, Communications and Creative Industries Minister, Ed Vaizey and the Government’s chief technology officer, Liam Maxwell are also attending the event.

The alliance aims to strengthen public and private sector links between member countries in the digital economy. This week’s summit will discuss the impact of cloud computing on businesses, internet connectivity, coding for young people and other issues.

Earlier this year, in a sign of strong UK-Israel digital cooperation, the two governments launched a joint bilateral fund to advance cooperative research into cyber defence worth £1.2million. The fund enables Israeli and British researchers to strengthen collaboration and conduct joint projects in cyber defence, an area in which both countries are considered to be world leaders. In January, Israel underscored its status as a global digital leader by announcing the establishment of a national cyber park in Be’er Sheva, which will house a high school and research and development facility, while several significant international companies have agreed to locate there.

Meanwhile, in an announcement yesterday, Israel’s leading technology companies in the sports sector were invited to participate in a competition to be part of a three day roadshow to present their products to the British sporting establishment and leading British sports companies. Israeli companies have developed technologies in areas including player analytics, image manipulation, injury prevention, fan engagement, interactivity and wearable sensors.