CATALOGUE Study Visits 2011 3 · innovations and entrepreneurship at national and local ... The...

P.O.Box 12 Rehovot, 76100 Israel - Tel: +972-8-9474111 - Fax: +972-8-9475884

E-mail: [email protected] - www.weitz-center.org - www.cerur.org

Weitz Center's Study Visits

2011 Catalogue

For further information visit our Website http://www.weitz-center.org/

or contact us at Weitz Center for Development Studies

P.O.Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel

Tel: 972-8-9474111

Mrs. Miriam Eger, Deputy Director

[email protected]

or

Amandine Desille, Program Officer

[email protected]



Why organizing a study visit?

You want to learn from new and innovative experiences? You want to discover

concrete tools applied to the field? You value practical learning? You want to

learn lessons from people who have lived in similar circumstances your

community experiences?

Study visits are short-term professional learning programs which take place in a

real life situation. It allows visiting groups to benefit from concrete experiences,

ask questions about the development activity being implemented and get first-

hand feedbacks. Additionally, broader information exchanges take place

among groups and experts, beyond the core topic.

Why Israel?

Israel is a young nation, which has enjoyed sixty two years of tremendous

economical and social development. Its unique development experience is

highly valuable for developing and emergent countries.

Demographic

pressure on limited

open spaces:

To adapt with its rapid population growth, Israel carried

out innovative approaches for national and regional

planning, urban development, urban revitalization and urban management.

A unique

geographic

position:

From the northern region of Galilee to the Negev desert in

the south, Israel undergoes territorial constraints (water

shortage, reduced agricultural lands, urban pressure on

open spaces and more) which led the country to develop

solutions to enhance its economy, and develop semi-arid

areas. It therefore plays the role of a "laboratory" integrating different climates in a small area.

Innovation and

creativity:

Israel developed effective support mechanisms to

innovations and entrepreneurship at national and local

levels which led to great innovation in agriculture, alternative energies or high-tech-related technologies. The

national economy also enjoys a dynamic and innovative

SME sector.

Integrated

Regional

Development and

community

development:

At the early stage of the establishment of the State, Israel's

unique form of welfare state fostered bottom-up

community development and local governments'

empowerment. Economical leverages, notably in

peripheral areas, were successfully achieved through Integrated Regional Development.

High flow of

migration:

As a land of migration, Israel had to develop tools to

integrate its diverse communities and acquired

considerable knowledge in capacity-building for new

immigrants.



Why organizing study visits with the Weitz Center?

In this context, the Weitz Center for Development Studies enjoys a unique

position. It has acquired excellent knowledge of the Israeli as well as the

international development arena. Specifically, the Center mobilizes Israel's best

practices, most recent and up-to-the-date experiences, tools and

methodologies. The Center works closely with leading experts and professional

from public, private and third sector and relevant advanced organizations,

from which participants will benefit during the study visit.

The exponential development of Israel the last decades demonstrates that

change is possible. Through study visits, the Weitz Center therefore takes a

practical and proactive approach, sharing these best practices and working as

a platform to enable adaptations of Israeli experiences and making them relevant to developing and transitional countries worldwide.

For additional information about the Weitz Center's approach and activities,

please visit our Website www.weitz-center.org .

How is the Study visit organized and conducted?

Each visit is organized around a combination of:

- Conferences held by high level experts in each field

- Exposure visits guided by experts

- Meetings with relevant actors, stakeholders and even workers in each

organization

- Discussions on how to better adapt Israeli best practices to local

conditions.

Study visits usually last 5 to 11 days.

How can you join a study visit?

Who can participate?

Study visits are open to all those who wish to participate. However,

policy/decision makers, professionals, officials, businessmen, academics and/or

members of nonprofit organizations working in relation with local and regional

development and specifically to the issues addressed in the study visits will be

those who will most benefit for their daily work.

Participation pattern:

Forming a group of participants for a tailor-made visit:

You are highly encouraged to communicate your needs, the areas of work you

wish to emphasize, as well as a project proposal you wish to develop

afterwards. This process will permit to tailor-make your study visit and to best

benefit the participants and the organizations. Dates can be accommodated

to group requirements.



How to apply?

Following the expression of interest in one of the subjects, a detailed draft

program will be send to you to start communicating until the program fits your

group's preferences and needs, prior to final approval. You will also be informed

about costs, visa procedures, insurance, etc.

Examples and proposed study visits for 2011: The following pages cover various study visits example the Weitz Center can

provide for your group. You are welcomed to propose changes/adaptations to

better fit your needs:



Promoting SMEs

Promoting SME

Reputed for its innovations and creativity, the last two

decades, Israel's economy developed mostly following the

growth of its Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector. It is

internationally recognized that SMEs require good

government support, improved market access and

productivity enhancement to grow steadily, and benefit the

population. In this context, Israel has put in place SME- friendly

policies and introduced new concepts such as Business

Support Centers, information centers, technological

incubators and clusters organizations to develop and nurture

small enterprises. Israel also gained significant experience in

developing partnerships among sectors, and with Civil Society

representing marginalized groups.

Learning objectives

and potential topics

Learning objectives: To learn about the Israeli experience in

promoting SMEs, in rural and urban areas and in the fields of

agriculture, tourism, industries and services; And to discuss the

adaptation of tools to the conditions of their countries/

regions and localities.

Potential topics:

- The development of business support centers for training,

coaching, business planning, and access to funding;

- Information centers for employers and employees;

- Incubators for start-ups providing centralized services,

professional support, financing and networking

opportunities;

- Promotion of small trade enterprises through infrastructure

upgrading and social activities;

- Small and medium enterprises fusing technology,

creativity and social action;

- Agro-industries center;

- Women entrepreneurship;

- Formation of groups to develop skills, to create local and

regional packages and to initiatives marketing activities

together.

- Role of national and local government in promoting SMEs;

- Support tools, policies and strategies that can be

implemented.

The study visit will consist of a combination of sessions and field

visits according to the specific subjects selected by the group.

Visits to Holy Sites

Israel holds in its territory sites considered sacred by the three

great monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

During study visits, participants will tour in the ancient streets of

Jerusalem and the stunning scenery surrounding the Sea of

Galilee, going back to biblical times, connecting with the

deep spirituality of the sites and taking away an unforgettable

experience.



Municipal waste management

Waste management

The high growing pace of Israel goes hand to hand with

waste generation. Therefore, the question rises: How can

we optimally manage the rising quantities of municipal and

industrial solid waste generated while achieving urban

development?

In the last years, Israel has put in place new effective

mechanisms to better achieve Integrated Waste

Management. Technological innovations are made to

treat waste biologically and to achieve more efficient

dumping sites. Waste recycling methods are also improved.

Moreover, the Ministry of Environmental Protection in Israel

initiated changes in the legal framework to reduce and

recycle waste. Recently, new policies were put in place to

implement separation of waste's mechanisms in localities,

where local authorities are enforced to take responsibility

for initiating changes. In parallel, public-private initiatives

increased and Israel could count with the involvement of a

proactive civil society to advocate, train, and give

consultancy to establish plans and guidelines al local levels.

Finally, awareness campaigns and education for

sustainability have been promoted.

Learning objectives


Learning objectives: To learn more about Israeli

experiences and best practices in the field of municipal

waste management; To understand how waste

management can lead to development. Potential topics:

- Waste management technologies;

- Waste management in a semi-arid locality;

- Recycling and environmental education;

- Business opportunities in Israeli waste management

technologies;

- Modern land fill, waste to energy (methane gas from

organic waste);

- Compost industry and paper recycling industry.

The study visit will consist of a combination of sessions and

field visits according to the specific subjects selected by

the group.


Israel holds in its territory sites considered sacred by the

three great monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and

Islam. During study visits, participants will tour in the ancient

streets of Jerusalem and the stunning scenery surrounding

the Sea of Galilee, going back to biblical times, connecting

with the deep spirituality of the sites and taking away an

unforgettable experience.



Municipal Branding

The Israeli

experience

Ron Arad's Design

Museum

Local authorities in Israel accumulated experience in

branding as a strategic development process.

For instance, the city of Holon developed around a particular

brand: The city of children. Cultural and education activities,

city and parks planning and upgrading are developed

around children and young families. Consequently, the real

estate market doubled its value. Immigration increases. Over

million visitors annually come to Holon during the festivals and

other local attractions. Employment for children-orientated

careers enlarged. Finally, the municipality's income has

increased. In the same vein, the city of Karmiel decided to

direct its investments around a variety of logistic solutions and

services to support working parents to attract young adults

and bring new dynamism in the city. On another hand, the

Beit She'an Regional Council, south of Galilee, developed a

strategic branding process to attract visitors and activities

and, as a consequence of the process, changed its name to

the Valley of Springs Regional Council to better reflect the

natural, leisure and archeological opportunities of the region.

Learning objectives


Bet She'an Site

The study visit will enable participants to gain knowledge and

experiences regarding municipal branding and promotion of

tangible improvements; Municipal and regional strategic

planning and implementation; Asset-based Local Economic

Development; And stakeholders' designation and

participation.

Potential topics:

- Local authorities and municipal branding;

- Partnerships with public, private and non-profit

stakeholders;

- Public participation;

- Leisure and cultural activities' promotion;

- Employment and economic development through

municipal branding;

- Regional and local tourism;

- Adapting the city to the new target population;

- Urban revitalization.


field visits according to the specific subjects selected by the

group.




During study visits, participants will tour in the ancient streets

of Jerusalem and the stunning scenery surrounding the Sea of


deep spirituality of the sites and taking away an




Harnessing arts and crafts for local and regional development

Arts and Crafts

development

Artisans and craftsmen are important assets to promote

sustainable economic development and cultural heritage. As

cultural tourism becomes one of the largest and fastest-

growing global tourism market, and customers in the

developed world become more aware of social aspects of

consumption, Israel mobilized these opportunities to create

jobs and income in the Arts & Crafts sector, and through this,

to promote Local Economic Development.

To harness these assets for development, Israel participates in

the development of entrepreneurial capacities, partnership

and networking building, management and marketing

platforms and infrastructure development.

Learning objectives


Learning objectives: Understanding how the Arts & Crafts

sector acts as leverage for local and regional development;

How to develop practical tools to leverage the Arts & Crafts

sector in their local areas for community-economic

development; How to work with and learn from organized

Israeli artisans and craftsmen; And explore potential

opportunities for co operation with Israeli artisans and

craftsmen.

The sessions and visits' potential topics are:

- Assets based and integrated approach to development;

- Arts & Crafts business development in the rural sector;

- Regional branding and marketing;

- Business networking;

- Creative co operations for marketing and selling;

- Developing joint tourism products, services and events;

- Joint business initiatives;

- Support systems for businesses;

- Corporate Social Responsibility;

- Fair-trade initiatives.



group.

Visiting the Holy sites







experience.



Rural tourism

The Israeli

experience

Rural tourism in Israel is based on re-utilization of rural and

agricultural amenities, as well as personal, institutional and

natural assets. It generated development processes in many

rural regions resulting in revitalization of agriculture,

demographic growth, infrastructure upgrade and increase of

properties’ value.

These achievements are the result of integrated efforts by

governments and rural communities in creating policy and

legal frameworks and support systems. Among the support

systems, "One stop shop" for small tourism business, providing

business and professional training, coaching, consultancy,

networking and marketing services as well as access to

financial resources; Grants from related ministries for planning

and upgrading sites and infrastructure; and regional tourism

associations initiating festivals and events, developing routes

and packages and supporting branding and marketing.

Through these policies and support systems, the sector enjoys

rapid growth and is expected to grow on average 4%

annually in the next ten years. Rural tourism generates around

500,000 million USD a year and support the income of

thousands of families and employees – especially in peripheral

regions.

Learning objectives

and potential

topics

Learning objectives: Understand how to harness local assets

for rural tourism; Develop rural tourism support systems,

partnerships and stakeholders' cooperation, and sites and

infrastructure; And introduce marketing.

Potential topics:

- One-stop-shop for small tourism business;

- Professional support for marketing and branding;

- Rural associations and networks;

- Agro and eco-tourism activities such as wineries, olive oil

production, dairy products and others;

- "Hosting" scenery for accommodations;

- Ethnic local restaurants and women-owned restaurants;

- Sport activities in rural areas (hiking, cycling… etc);

- Arts and crafts organizations for marginalized people.










experience.



Promoting value chain upgrading in agriculture

The Israeli

experience

The last decades, Israel accumulated great experiences and

best practices in the agricultural sector, upgrading its value

chains, developing innovative technologies and

managements tools to the benefit of the community. Israel

dairy farms benefit from a modern industrialized dairy system,

and up-to-the-date technology. As regards to flowers,

vegetables, fruits and aromatic, Israeli public and private

organizations developed innovative added value varieties,

conducting research and developing experimental farms.

Farmers also benefit from advanced plant nursery as well as

greenhouses. To mitigate water shortage, comprehensive

irrigation and climate-control technologies were developed.

Farmers and other stakeholders along the value chain can

organize and have access to support systems, extension

services and professional support. Schemes target micro

enterprises and SMEs to permit them to fully participate in the

value chain.

Israeli villages also experience integrated farm management.

For example, an Israeli kibbutz developed its beekeeping

industry, including commerce and tourism, to achieve

community-based development.

Last but not least, partnerships with Ministries and third sector

organizations permitted Israeli farms to better integrate

environmental aspects and carry out plans and policies at

local levels.

Learning objectives

and potential

topics

Learning objectives: Learn more about Israel's relevant

technologies and practical experience from the field; Learn

how to target solutions to upgrade and enabling the

environment, and create networks and partnerships to

improve the value chain.

Potential topics:

- The Value Chain in the agribusiness in Israel;

- Integrated Regional Development initiatives;

- Capacity-building and skills upgrading;

- Professional support platforms for businesses;

- Associations and cooperatives of producers and

distributors;

- Meeting with the relevant Government agencies.










experience.



Agriculture productivity and irrigation systems

The Israeli

experience

Israel is located on the Mediterranean Sea. Half of the country

is characterized by arid and semi-arid lands, strongly

constraining activities in its southern area. In fact, Israel is well

known for its innovative irrigation systems. Among other water

saving technologies in agriculture, Israel recycles about 75%

of its waste water and use them for irrigation and alternative

uses.

On the other hand, Israel's agricultural sector is characterized

by an intensive production system. Close cooperation and

interaction between stakeholders enable the promotion of

advanced technologies in the entire agricultural sector. This

fruitful cooperation led to innovations in crop quality

upgrading and variety extension, but also in greenhouse or

plant nursery development to enhance productivity. Israel

shelters experimental farms or lands where agricultural

research is conducted.

The Government and the private sector also work together

toward a greener agriculture, integrating environment and

climate change challenges.

Learning objectives


Learning objectives: Increase knowledge in productive

agriculture development in semi-arid areas, technological

innovations for agriculture upgrading, irrigation systems,

equipment and management support, value chain

upgrading and income generation, and green technology

and organic agriculture.

Potential topics:

- Crop selection, quality upgrading and adaptation;

- Fertilization, greenhouse and plant nursery;

- Research schemes to develop varieties of crops, and

patents;

- Value chain upgrading: Packing, marketing, distributing

and exporting vegetables, fruits and other crops;

- Organic production and distribution;

- Micro-irrigation systems and equipment;

- ICT applied to agricultural productivity and irrigation;

- Green irrigation technology;

- Waster water management and water treatment.



group.








experience.



Improving dairy farming for local development

The Israeli

experience

Israel, the "Land of milk and honey", shelters more than

120000 cows, producing 1.124 billion liters of milk every year

(Ministry of Environment in Israel). The country is one of the

world leaders in milk industry. However, Israel remains a semi-

arid country characterized with long, hot and dry summers

and a land shortage situation which led the sector to

innovate and find solutions to enhance its competitiveness.

Israel dairy farms benefit from a modern industrialized dairy

system, and up-to-the-date technology. Indeed, Israeli high-

tech computer-based management solutions for cattle

feeding and milking are sold worldwide and adapted to

local needs. Furthermore, cow cooling systems are exported

in countries where cattle undergo high heat stress. Secondly,

through integrated dairy production, small-holders all over

the country can organize and have access to extension

services and professional support. Last, Israel also works

toward an increase in productivity while limiting ecological

unbalance that may occur in intensive dairy farming.

Partnerships with Ministries and third sector organizations

permitted Israeli dairy farms to better integrate

environmental aspects and carry out plans and policies at

local levels.

Learning objectives


Learning objectives: The development of dairy farming to

achieve community development through the creation,

development and management of dairy-related activities,

cattle management, improvement of organizational

structure of stakeholders, dairy production's value chain and

policy framework.

Potential topics:

- Conception and design of dairy stables;

- Technological support and ICT support for dairy farming;

- Care, reproduction and alimentation of cattle;

- The role of micro-enterprises in the agro-process industry;

- Support organizations and cooperatives for dairy farmers;

- Dairy farming value chain: Agro-processing, marketing

and management;

- Policies and programs carried out by the relevant Ministry.



group.





of Jerusalem and the stunning scenery surrounding the Sea

of Galilee, going back to biblical times, connecting with the





Gender and development promotion in a multicultural society

Gender and

development in

Israel

(Druze woman)

Despite its progressive legal framework, Israel, as a

multicultural society, experiences built-in tensions between

the State and traditional or religious institutions. Consequently,

gender remains an issue in different areas of development.

Along the years, the roles of Civil Society in advocacy and

services provision, as well as the role of local and central

governments in the following areas have been tremendous:

- Fair women participation in economic development,

through employment promotion, SME or micro businesses

and community-based businesses creation, promotion

and support;

- Advocacy and awareness rising to create a supportive

environment for women participation in socio-economic

activities, as well as women empowerment, women

leadership development, and women participation in

politics;

- Therapy, counseling, support and legal aid around family

matters, as well as familial crisis, domestic violence and

abuse. Organizations also take into account the

multicultural situation of Israeli women, targeting them

through specific channels to better address their

situations.

Learning objectives


Learning objectives: Gender promotion in development;

Women empowerment; Promotion of employment and

entrepreneurship among women; Preventing violence/crisis

and support/recovery of the victims.

Potential topics:

- Development of Civil Society organizations dealing with

women in distress and of legal aid organizations;

- Women empowerment;

- Advocacy around policy change, and religion issues;

- Counseling and capacity-building for women;

- Networking among multicultural women groups;

- Promotion of employment and entrepreneurship;

- Business support and incubators for women entrepreneurs;

- Protection of women at home and at work;

- Partnership between the local authority and local community, central Government and ministries.



group.





of Jerusalem and the stunning scenery surrounding the Sea of






Promoting inclusion of disabled people

The Israeli experience

In Israel, numerous organizations work toward enabling an

accessible environment for disabled people. For instance,

accessible natural parks and forests for disabled, including

accessible paths and picnic areas are developed.

Organizations work with government agencies and private

sector to design and build public spaces and facilities which

take into account the particular needs of disabled people.

Adequate building codes are developed and

institutionalized. Organizations also advocate and carry out

projects to raise awareness and understanding of the

importance of accessibility and acceptance of people with

disabilities. Some organizations work around accessible

tourism for people with disabilities, providing database

regarding accessible picnic areas, accommodations,

featured trips for disabled as well as accessible trip planning

assistance.

Israeli local governments and organizations also cooperate

to promote work among disabled people. Employment

centers and training centers offer capacity-building and

support to improve employability of disabled job seekers.

Accessibility of the workplace and of employment services

is promoted. Self-employment experiences also emerge

where, for instance, groups of disabled people initiated and

run competitive enterprises according to their own special

needs and conditions.

Learning objectives

Learning objectives: Learn how to promote accessibility for

disabled people; Learn how to create partnerships with

public agencies or private sector organizations; Learn how

to develop tools and mechanisms to reduce exclusion of

disabled people; And learn how to promote employment

and entrepreneurship.

Potential topics:

- Policy advocacy;

- Awareness rising to increase accessibility for disabled

people;

- Consulting, training, coalition-building assistance and

other services for Civil Society organizations;

- Development of accessible natural areas and urban

sites;

- Promotion of employment and entrepreneurship;

- Social services to elderly and disabled people in poor

community;

- Partnership with private sector organizations;

- Partnership between the local authority and local

community.



group.



Registration form for group members

PERSONAL DETAILS

Family name: … First name: …

Gender: … Birth date: .. - .. - ..

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EDUCATION

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Last academic degree: …

EMPLOYMENT

Working place:

Position:

Main responsibilities:

Address: Str …

City: … Zip code: …

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Motivation to attend the study visit:

Contact details of people you know who might be interested:

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