Israel has gone through an overall economic growth. This has its roots in a well developed and knowledge-based industry. Additionally, Israel has a significant reputation as an international center for research and development. The competitiveness of Israeli products and services has been proven by meeting the challenges of the global market place. Some of the domains of Industry that Israeli industrialists and entrepreneurs currently lead are electro-optics, advanced software applications, nanotechnology, electronic warfare, homeland security and multiple telecommunications applications. In order to enhance international cooperation of the Israeli companies with the rest of the world, Israel has founded the Industrial Cooperation Authority (ICA), under the Ministry of Industry Trade & Labor.

 The ICA is tasked to initiate, co-ordinate and monitor industrial cooperation activities with foreign companies, whenever government procurement qualifies for international cooperation schemes.

The ICA also promotes and monitors commercial and industrial cooperation activities related to selected areas of non-government trade and is authorized to supervise the enforcement of the "Mandatory Tenders Regulations," pertaining to the Mandatory Tenders Law regarding Mandatory Industrial Co-operation. The ICA is headed by Ms. Bina Bar-On, that was appointed Director General on July 2004. 

The ICA operates within the rules of the Government Procurement Act and other international agreements. The ICA coordinates its activities with other relevant government ministries and industries.

Overseas companies may contact the ICA regarding any subject related directly or indirectly to their Industrial Co-operation Undertaking or fulfillment activity. Assistance will be provided to potential and existing obligors in identifying and locating suitable Israeli manufacturers and partners for joint ventures, outsourcing, R&D, and other modes of cooperation and strategic partnerships with Israeli industry.

Under this context ICA has implemented several projects that helped Israeli companies. One of these projects is the program that ICA signed with Epicos In Sept. 2007. Through this Project which involves over one hundred Aerospace, Defence and High Technology Israeli enterprises, Epicos has proceeded to the systematic mapping of the local industry and of its high-standard capabilities, products and services.

When the program completed its first two years of operation the Industrial Cooperation Authority (ICA) has signed an Agreement to extend the EPICOS Program in Israel for an Additional Three Years period. ICA Director General, Ms. Bina Bar-On stated about the program that: “Over the past two years Israeli industry has been exposed to many industrial cooperation opportunities due to participating in this unique program.” The companies that will receive close support from the operators of the program to produce maximum exposure focused on tenders that are suitable for each company, with the aim of increasing exports and finding new markets for Israeli industry. Additionally, the program provides companies with access to EPICOS’ site in the international commerce e-marketplace – a B2B site including business opportunities in international procurement and industrial cooperation.