Faculty Host Israeli Visitors

In November, faculty members Jeff Glazer and Lois Olson hosted a couple of Israeli visitors who are instrumental in their partnership with Ben Gurion University (BGU). The project, sponsored by a $150,000 grant from the US-Israel Science and Technology Foundation, links SDSU with BGU to help San Diego high-tech companies expand global markets with their counterparts in the Negev region of Israel. Glazer, Olson and former managing director of SDSU's Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) David Earwicker traveled to Tel Aviv last summer to host a workshop, as well as select Israeli companies who would work with our MBA students.

Since then, the students have completed marketing and business development plans for these companies. "The Israeli's were thrilled with the outcome and are exploring the possibility of our students working with more companies," Olson said.

During their visit to San Diego, the Israeli group met with a variety of government representatives, legal firms and investors who all expressed an interest in developing stronger ties to one another. Glazer noted this is the beginning of a process to develop a San Diego-Israeli Center to continue and expand the relationship. "A current group of MBA students is putting together a proposal for funding and establishing a Center on campus that can become a conduit between our countries," Glazer said. "There is an enormous potential for the high-tech industry in the Negev, but many firms there lack familiarity with the complex U.S. market. A Center at SDSU where ideas and information can be exchanged and nurtured would benefit business in our region immensely."

More info:
http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/ciber/sdnegev/