Creating Regional Wealth in the Innovation Economy: Models, Perspectives, and Best Practices

Chapter 16. Immigration to Israel, Venture Funding, and Entrepreneurship

Ex-Soviet Union Russian Immigration in the Scientific Development of the Country

Due to political events in the former USSR, almost one million Jews have migrated to Israel since the beginning of the 1990s, comprising one-sixth of the total population.

Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union (commonly referred to in Israel as Russians) represent a major advantage for the country's future. Initially this great influx increased unemployment, intensified housing problems, and strained the government budget. At the same time however, the immigrants brought to the economy scientific and professional expertise of substantial value. Many skilled and experienced people, including ...