Research & Development
We invest in research and development (R&D) according to a long-term plan based on estimated market needs. Our R&D efforts focus on anticipating operational needs of our customers, achieving reduced time to market and increasing affordability. We emphasize improving existing systems and products and developing new ones using emerging or existing technologies, including an increasing use of open source software.
Our R&D projects relate to defense, homeland security and commercial applications. We perform R&D projects to produce new systems for the IMOD and other customers, sometimes in collaboration with our business partners. These projects give us the opportunity to develop and test emerging technologies. We develop tools for fast prototyping for both the design and development process. Fast prototyping permits the operational team members to effectively specify requirements and to automatically transfer them into software code. We also are engaged in long-term investments in science and technology infrastructure and building blocks, often in collaboration with academic bodies. We employ thousands of software, hardware and systems engineers. In addition, most of our program and business line managers have engineering backgrounds. About half of our total workforce is engaged in technology-related functions, including research, development and engineering.
Our companies in Israel have collectively been awarded the Israel Defense Prize 35 times, recognizing extraordinary contributions to defense technological innovations.
Our customers, the Israel Innovation Authority in the Ministry of Economy and Industry (formerly the Office of Chief Scientist) and other R&D granting authorities sometimes participate in our R&D funding for our Israeli-based companies. Some of our subsidiaries outside of Israel receive funding of certain of their R&D activities from their respective governments or customers. We also invest our own funds in research and development activities. This investment is in accordance with our strategy and plan of operations.