In general a nation's ability to copy technology is a very good indication of its ability to innovate. Back in the day the USA copied British technology and ar

In general a nation's ability to copy technology is a very good indication of its ability to innovate. Back in the day the USA copied British technology and art shamelessly. Later Japan was known for copying technology. Both went on to be great innovators. Copying well, figuring out what to copy and what isn't needed, is hard.