At the end of November, Managing Director Martin Singer travelled to Israel with the Baden-Württemberg regional association of the Wirtschaftsrat Deutschland (Economic Council of Germany). He took part in a cultural and business exchange focused on the world-leading high-tech scene in “Silicon Wadi” around Tel Aviv. The trip offered opportunities to make contacts and learn about innovative developments. Here is his first-hand account.

Delegation visit: interview — background to the trip

Question:
Hello Martin. You spent several days in Israel at the end of November. What was the purpose of the trip?

Martin Singer:
The Israeli foreign trade ministry invited the Wirtschaftsrat Deutschland, specifically its Baden-Württemberg regional association, to an exchange on electric mobility and safety in electric mobility. Israel’s innovative start-up scene was the main focus, with considerable attention also given to cybersecurity. We wanted to make contact with companies and look behind the scenes to see how some things are approached differently from Germany.

Delegation visit: observations on the ground

Question:
What did you observe?

Martin Singer:
Israeli start-ups move at a tremendous pace. External backers are willing to make funding available without unnecessary complications. The start-ups themselves also have a different mindset. In Germany, I often feel that everything has to be checked a hundred times until it is perfect before a product reaches the market. You can sense the fear of failure.
In Israel, developments are pursued even when they are not yet 100 percent mature, as long as they offer clear added value. Fear of failure is practically absent there. Failure is seen as valuable experience that can lead to better solutions in the future.

Delegation visit: conclusions and perspectives

Question:
Is that something we can learn from Israel?

Martin Singer:
I would not claim that this attitude is entirely absent here. Rather, in Germany we often spend too much valuable time pursuing perfection. Investors are reluctant to take risks, and companies also fear failure. Many things are therefore perfected down to the last detail, delaying market entry.
In my view, it would help to have more courage to accept imperfection. An unsuccessful attempt should be seen as an opportunity to learn and improve, rather than a sign of inadequacy.

Delegation visit: conclusion and outlook

The delegation visit to Israel showed how innovative thinking and a willingness to take risks can help set new standards. Martin Singer emphasised the importance of greater courage in Germany and of valuing what can be learned from mistakes. These experiences are intended to help make the German market more dynamic while drawing on the strengths of Israel’s start-up culture.

The trip also offered valuable insights into alternative approaches and new business models. It highlighted open exchange and overcoming the fear of failure as key factors in progress. Martin Singer and his team are motivated to bring these ideas into their work and continue driving innovation.

Thank you, Martin, for sharing this informative account of your delegation visit to Israel!