My impression is that in Europe software development tends more often to be considered a cost center, rather than a profit center. At its core I suspect this d

My impression is that in Europe software development tends more often to be considered a cost center, rather than a profit center. At its core I suspect this difference comes from the fact that after WW2 Europe lost its place at the cutting edge of scientific and technological development. There are still companies and universities pushing the boundaries, just fewer than before (due to the massive brain-drain caused by the war). In turn, European companies often tend to play catch-up and they more often need competent executants rather than independent innovative thinkers. Competent executants are cheaper as they do less significant work. To this you of course have to add the social security, shorter office hours, longer holidays etc. that you get in Europe, but maybe not so much in the US.