TORONTO — Some 50 representatives from Canada and Israel met last week in Toronto to map future steps for both countries in technology innovation.

Tony Clement

The National Research Council of Canada hosted the Canada-Israel Technology Innovation Summit 2010, the first of two summits that bring together leaders from industry, universities and the governments of both nations.

Canada can gain much through increased collaboration with Israel’s best minds, Industry Minister Tony Clement said. “The focus of both governments on tangible economic outcomes will help our countries on the path to full economic recovery.”

Eli Opper, chief scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, said that “by leveraging Israeli and Canadian strengths in the fields of water, renewable energy and neuroscience, our countries will create new opportunities for technological innovation.

“Through co-operation and collaboration, we can utilize the advantages both countries have in these fields, paving the way to technological breakthroughs that will improve not only our economies, but our societies as well,” Opper said.