i can only comment on the german economy, but i think it's not always comparable. It's true that germany is not producing the same number and caliber of startup

i can only comment on the german economy, but i think it's not always comparable. It's true that germany is not producing the same number and caliber of startups as silicon valley, but it's very good at supporting medium sized, specialised business in the long term (from enabling them to conduct cutting edge research though heavily distributed government research institutions to a high number of organisations that help them tackle foreign markets and opportunities). If you're not into these things it's challenging, but as a student i see the different paths and institutions helping the more german subjects like chemistry or building engineer.