With the savvy of foreign policy insiders, Senor and Singer examine the lessons of the country's adversity-driven culture, which flattens hierarchy and elevates informality - all backed up by government policies focused on innovation. In a world where economies as diverse as Ireland, Singapore, and Dubai have tried to re-create the "Israel effect", there are entrepreneurial lessons well worth noting. As America reboots its own economy and can-do spirit, there's never been a better time to look at this remarkable and resilient nation for some impressive, surprising clues.
©2009 Dan Senor and Saul Singer; (P)2009 Gildan Media Corp
"There is a great deal for America to learn from the very impressive Israeli Entrepreneurial model - beginning with a culture of leadership and risk management. Start-Up Nation is a playbook for every CEO who wants to develop the next generation of corporate leaders." (Tom Brokaw)
"No one else, in my judgment, has written regularly about Israel in recent years with more clarity than Singer." (William Kristol, Editor, The Weekly Standard)
"A Remarkable Audio!"
A fascinating insightful audio book and a remarkable story of the entrepreneurial spirit of a people surrounded by enemies in a land with no natural resources, who produce more start up companies than any other nation. A great audio!
"Interesting and worth the time"
I found this book very interesting and an easy listen. The authors use analysis and anecdote to show how and why Israel's startup culture has become a major success story. Israelis thrive on chaos, controversy and risk and are not afraid to fail. Unfortunately, I found one major drawback with the audiobook: Just about every Hebrew name is appallingly mispronounced. This is especially annoying since 90% of this book's content consists of naming people, places and companies. It seems strange that the publishers did not bother to have the audio track reviewed by a Hebrew-speaking editor. Despite this major failing, I did find the book worth the listening time.
"Amazing inspiring story though not 100% accurate"
Very interesting review of a great anomaly. The book is far from being objective, and overlooks some issues that would interfere with the theories, but even this way, it is very much worth listening to for the fact that are in there and the amazing story it unfolds. I think they also ignore the strong affect the Jewish religion and the way it is constructed had on the traits they mention, even though most of the country is secular.
"Love it!"
I think government officials in developing countries and thirld-world countries would benefit a lot from this book.
Eclectic, mellifluous, romantic
"An interesting 360 degree vision of Israel"
I'm studying a master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and one of my professors recommended this book and after reading it, as if by serendipity, we were told that my class would be doing a study trip to Tel Aviv University. During our trip, ALL of the guest speakers mentioned the book either directly, or indirectly through cultural references, and I could see that everything that was mentioned in the book had a basis.
I have to say that it really opened my eyes and gave me a greater understanding of Israel as an innovation powerhouse. Very inspirational, and a must read for anyone that is interested in how innovation ecosystems are born.
"Good read!"
I would recomend this book to those who are interested in Israels success, but most of the book tells you about all the successful companies, politicians and other successful vetures, witch is ok, but I didn't get the point of pointing it out, since most of the things are well known facts. Israel is uniqe country, and I feel sorry for the things they have been trough and admire them for the things they have accomplished, but I got tired by the end of the book.
"Insight Info"
One great book that reveals the driven factors of the innovative culture in Israel that can be applied anywhere else.
"Why can't the US learn?"
A nation lifted itself up by it's bootstraps. The military aspect was quite interesting.
When the car manufacture agreed.
I only can listen in short bursts.
"Excellent read--great insight into Israel"
Very worthwhile, Really glad we read this before visiting Israel--provided a greater appreciation for the people, their accomplishments, their personality. stories were inspiring. My only complaint was that this ties things up in a nice bow and the story of this country and people is much more complex and prickly.
"It's no wonder"
The clarity in which the authors are able to isolate the qualities and ethos of the Israeli culture.
No
An explanable miracle
Ironically, Senor outlines many of the same qualities that helped 19th century America expand westward that were sadly later discarded with the advent of megacorporations in the late 20th century. Whether in commerce, research, the military or for the benefit of mankind the book hammers home the central theme....always question, "Is there a better way"?