This is a slap on the back for... no real reason. Sure the USA has led in some quarters, but that's more to do with the close of the second world war where Eur

This is a slap on the back for... no real reason. Sure the USA has led in some quarters, but that's more to do with the close of the second world war where European invented technologies (and the brightest creators) were confiscated (from Allies and Enemies). That head start encouraged more external talent to congregate. I have no problem with that, but this idea that it's "Labour laws" or any magic is about as compelling an argument as "Twitter or Facebook are providing their networks with the best experience and that's why they're so big" You can also see that China is currently getting on par and ahead in some areas, and that's also because they are taking knowledge (for free) from outside (mostly the USA). And they have terrible Labour laws.