Little Rock, Arkansas – On Wednesday, August 6, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen economic and cultural collaboration between the State of Arkansas and the State of Israel’s National Technological Innovation Authority.
The agreement, described as a significant milestone in strengthening global ties, outlines a decade-long framework for advancing cooperation in research and development (R&D) and boosting innovation in key sectors such as aerospace, defense, agriculture, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Shared Goals and Strategic Vision
The MOU begins by “recognizing the longstanding friendship and shared values between the State of Arkansas and the State of Israel” and “affirming the mutual interest in expanding economic opportunities, fostering research, development, technological innovation, and promoting shared prosperity.” It further acknowledges “the strategic importance of collaboration in high-growth sectors such as but not limited to aerospace and defense, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and energy.”
The agreement identifies several core objectives, including fostering collaboration in strategic technological fields, facilitating partnerships between Arkansas and Israeli entities, and promoting joint initiatives that commercialize innovative products and processes. The scope also includes the exchange of knowledge, supporting pilot projects, and aligning resources to strengthen both states’ global competitiveness.
Practical Steps for Cooperation
Under Article II, the MOU outlines concrete measures for implementation. These include supporting exchanges and visits by delegations and businesses, increasing collaboration between business communities, and informing each other about trade exhibitions and investment opportunities.
The agreement also calls for encouraging R&D projects that focus on developing innovative technologies for commercialization in global markets. Each participating entity will be subject to the laws, regulations, and funding conditions of its respective state, including possible obligations to pay royalties for supported projects.
To facilitate collaboration, the MOU envisions meetings, technical workshops, joint research initiatives, and investment forums. It encourages both sides to directly or indirectly stimulate partnerships that will drive economic and technological growth.
Article III addresses the exchange of information, allowing the Sides to share data that advances the agreement’s objectives while protecting proprietary details. No proprietary information will be transmitted to third parties without prior written consent, except when required by law.
The agreement is non-binding and creates no legal or financial obligations under domestic or international law. It will be implemented in accordance with the policies, laws, and priorities of both Arkansas and Israel, ensuring that any cooperation aligns with each state’s economic and development strategies.
The MOU takes effect immediately upon signature and will remain in force for ten years. Either side may terminate the agreement with six months’ written notice. It may also be modified at any time through mutual written consent. Importantly, the modification or termination of the MOU will not affect existing contracts or arrangements already in place.
Strengthening Global Ties
By signing this MOU, both Arkansas and Israel reaffirm their commitment to strengthening technological ties and fostering a partnership grounded in R&D, innovation, and mutual respect. The agreement is expected to open doors for businesses, researchers, and innovators in both states, creating opportunities for shared growth and advancing the competitiveness of their economies.
Governor Sanders hailed the agreement as a step toward making Arkansas a hub for advanced technology partnerships, while Israeli officials emphasized the potential for joint innovation to benefit global markets. The collaboration marks not just an economic pact, but also a cultural bridge between two regions dedicated to technological excellence and long-term prosperity.
