Or put differently: culture is a major driver. The culturally similar Austria and Switzerland, and to a certain extent the Scandinavian countries, have similar

Or put differently: culture is a major driver. The culturally similar Austria and Switzerland, and to a certain extent the Scandinavian countries, have similar strengths. Sure there are some contributing factors (eurozone monetary policy, labour laws), but thats really the core. I feel like the education system, world class science institutes (Fraunhofer, Max Planck and Helmholtz) and pragmatic vocational training are really just a result of that.