I think GP’s point is that Bill Gates is not rich because he invented word processing, or because word processing would never have become popular without his he

I think GP’s point is that Bill Gates is not rich because he invented word processing, or because word processing would never have become popular without his help. A big part of Microsoft’s success is network effects, where they are able to maintain market share because compatibility with their software is highly valued (because of their large existing market share). As technologies develop there often seems to be a window of opportunity where some players are too early (the technology isn’t ready yet) and some are too late (where big companies have become relatively entrenched). Companies with the right timing may be able to capture most of the value but I don’t think that means they are totally responsible for the productivity gains.