There is never a dull moment in the Middle East. In a region where seismic geopolitical shifts occur nearly weekly, the latest is the recent developments in Syria. These historic events are reshaping the century-old region’s dynamics, and a new paradigm is emerging: the transformative potential of economic collaboration anchored in innovative technologies and untapped prospects.
Western interests would do well to prioritize this anchor, and Donald Trump’s reelection offers new opportunities to redefine diplomacy through an innovation-driven lens. His results-oriented, transactional approach to international relations aligns naturally with the principles of innovation diplomacy — namely, leveraging technology and entrepreneurship to build alliances and address regional and global challenges. For Israel, the United States and forward-looking Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, this moment calls for deeper collaboration centered on shared technological ambitions.
Together, we can harness innovation to tackle pressing geopolitical and economic challenges and create shared prosperity.
The Abraham Accords have shown that shared economic and technological interests can bridge regional divides. However, four years later — including over a year of war — it is time to move these agreements forward to real-world mechanisms that deliver tangible economic benefits. Emerging fields like quantum computing and space exploration create opportunities for forward-looking partnerships that drive long-term regional stability and prosperity. These cross-border collaborations spurred by complementary technology solutions and knowledge-sharing frameworks can address growing risks like cyberattacks while fostering economic resilience and improving lives across the region. There is huge potential in connecting Israel’s technological expertise and know-how with the infrastructure and market access provided by other countries in the region.
Israel is uniquely positioned as a technology and research-and-development hub to advance this vision. Its innovative ecosystem has demonstrated extraordinary resilience despite the ongoing conflict since Oct. 7 and global volatility. Early-stage funding levels have returned to pre-pandemic highs, injecting vitality into the entrepreneurial pipeline. Meanwhile, growth-stage investments are rebounding, driven by startups emerging from financial downturns with strong growth and efficient execution, enabling them to scale globally while anchoring operations in Israel.
The Startup Nation’s strengths in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and water management highlight its ability to deliver innovative products that meet global and regional needs. Consider Israel’s water technology: Despite its arid climate, Israel has achieved water self-sufficiency and exports its solutions worldwide, including to its neighbors suffering from severe drought and water insecurity. This ability to transform challenges into opportunities exemplifies the Israeli entrepreneurial spirit and serves as a model for regional collaboration.
Innovation diplomacy can also take shape through transformative infrastructure projects. For example, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC, is a proposed ship-to-rail network linking India, the Middle East and Europe with railways, digital connectivity cables and clean hydrogen pipelines, aiming to boost trade efficiency and clean energy while countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Similarly, the Great Sea Interconnector is a project aimed at linking the power grids of Israel, Cyprus and Greece to the European energy network. These initiatives are designed to secure energy access and catalyze collaboration across sectors and borders.
Beyond infrastructure, collaboration in research and development drives meaningful progress and solidifies regional ties. Institutions like Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science have developed technology transfer mechanisms that turn intellectual property into practical applications. These models complement the technology transfer systems in other countries, fostering shared labs and joint R&D initiatives that capitalize on emerging innovation.
With their agility and focus on immediate impact, businesses are well-suited to driving this new wave of innovation diplomacy. Unlike governments, which often face lengthy decision-making processes, businesses can act swiftly to forge collaborations that benefit citizens. By using innovative financial models and bypassing bureaucratic hurdles, such projects enable regional development at a pace that traditional government frameworks cannot match on their own.
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The stakes for liberal democracies could not be higher. Authoritarian regimes such as China, Russia and North Korea are investing heavily in emerging technologies, from autonomous systems to surveillance tools, in order to dominate the global strategic landscape. Liberal democracies, by contrast, offer a model of openness, inclusivity and collaboration. To succeed, they must unite around a cohesive technological advancement strategy rooted in shared values and economic priorities.
A shared concern over Iran’s regional influence adds urgency to advancing these partnerships. Iran’s destabilizing activities threaten not only security but also economic stability across the region. By prioritizing innovation, Israel and its neighbors can address these challenges head-on while creating tangible benefits for their populations.
The Abraham Accords were a significant starting point, but they must evolve into deeper economic and technological integration. By focusing on our shared values — openness, collaboration and innovation — Israel, the U.S. and their partners can create a sustainable framework for long-term growth. Potential projects such as IMEC and the Great Sea Interconnector show how innovation can drive practical solutions, creating a foundation for regional prosperity and stability.
Trump’s presidency could serve as a catalyst for this vision. His business-oriented approach to diplomacy aligns with the goals of innovation diplomacy, framing technological collaboration as both a strategic necessity and an economic opportunity. By advancing regional R&D initiatives and facilitating frameworks for cross-border business partnerships, his leadership could help outpace authoritarian challengers. The future of the region — and the world — depends on the ability of liberal nations to unite around shared goals. By embracing innovation diplomacy, Israel, the United States and their allies can lead a paradigm shift in global cooperation. Together, we can create a world defined by openness, resilience and shared success, ensuring that business, research and technology pave the way for a brighter future.
Avi Hasson is the CEO of Startup Nation Central, a Tel Aviv-based nonprofit organization that promotes Israeli innovation around the world. Hasson previously served as Israel’s chief scientist and the founding chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority and as an investor in Israeli technology companies.
