If you speak French or German, there is this recent documentary about China linking up its villages to e-commerce [1]. The presented village specialized in sil

If you speak French or German, there is this recent documentary about China linking up its villages to e-commerce [1]. The presented village specialized in silver manufacturing. The example supports your thesis that some form of specialization is needed to be competitive enough in a market. That said, I think research facilities are only needed if the economy is focused on state of the art technology. Otherwise, the joined experience of the businesses seem to be enough to keep them competitive. What's interesting to me is that the Chinese villagers seem to have jumped on the opportunity on their own, without any government incentives. I would like to know what's holding back other villages in China or around the world to look for their own opportunities? [1]: https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/085121-000-A/china-doerfer-mit-e-commerce/ https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/085121-000-A/china-doerfer-mit...