Promoting Technology Israeli technology has deep roots in the military. When the French declared an embargo on weapons exports to Israel in 1967, the Israeli government began to devote much of its energy and budget to weapon development. Over time, many scientific, engineering, and financial resources have been converted to commercial applications. The BIRD Foundation, initiated in 1977, helped jumpstart the high-tech market in Israel. This organization brings together potential strategic partners from the US and Israel, and offers generous financing to joint ventures between companies in the two countries. Though the BIRD Foundation was initially funded by the US and Israeli governments, it is now self-financed. The Israeli government is also an active participant in company building. In 1985 the government instituted a rigorous economic reform