> Some obscure mittelstand firm in Germany will be the world leader in ball bearings or thermostats or something like that, in a thousand little niches. The Ge

> Some obscure mittelstand firm in Germany will be the world leader in ball bearings or thermostats or something like that, in a thousand little niches. The German reputation for precision engineering is certainly well-deserved. Part of this is because their economic system is designed to support these kinds of businesses. Surgical equipment is another great example.