Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation

The Israel-United States Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation was established in 1977 by the United States and Israel governments to promote mutually beneficial industrial research and development (R&D). Each BIRD project involves a partnership between a U.S. and an Israeli company with up to 50 percent of the funding being supplied by BIRD and at least 50 percent by the partnership. The source of the funding is an endowment which was provided equally by the two governments. The endowment is $110 million. In addition, since 2009, BIRD receives annual funding from both governments for the BIRD Energy program. Since inception, BIRD has approved more than 900 projects, provided more than $300M in grants (~$500M adjusted to inflation). Successful BIRD projects have yielded an estimated $10B in sales.

The BIRD Foundation is considered a very successful model of binational R&D collaboration.

The BIRD Foundation was formally established on May 18, 1977 with an endowment of $60 million; $30 million from each country to support and promote joint non-defense industrial research and development for mutual benefit. In 1984, the endowment was increased to $110 million.

The genesis of the BIRD Foundation dates back to July 1974, when the governments of the United States and Israel established a joint Committee for Investment and Trade, staffed by representatives of the two governments. Its task was to find ways to promote closer economic ties between the two nations, with discussions being held throughout 1975 and early 1976. The initial agreement to establish the Foundation was signed by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury William Simon and by Israel Finance Minister Yehoshua Rabinowitz, on March 3, 1976.

In February 1975 a private sector group had been formed to promote closer links between U.S. and Israeli scientific and technological enterprises. This group, composed of leading research and development executives from both U.S. and Israeli industry, was instrumental in providing advice and support to the Joint Committee during negotiations for the establishment of the Foundation. As discussions continued between the two governments, another significant private sector initiative was taking place. The Committee for the Economic Growth of Israel (CEG-I) was formed during March 1976, as an autonomous, voluntary organization of American and Israeli business people who joined forces to promote exports and investment in Israel.

In late April 1977, the U.S. Congress passed the legislation providing the funding for the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation. This was signed into law by President Carter on May 4, 1977. At the same time the Knesset, Israel's parliament, authorized the funding of the Israeli portion of the Foundation's endowment.

...
Wikipedia