New York Times has a story that delves into the conundrum faced by Europeans: Why are there few, if any, technology companies from Europe [nytimes.com] with the size and reach of American tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Apple? The article hypothesizes that, though employment regulations and other business and legal factors play a role, it's actually deeply embedded cultural differences that are the primary cause, citing less aversion to risk-taking, less stigma from business failures such as bankruptcies, little or no stigma from leaving and rejoining a company which is seen as disloyal in European cultures, more acceptance of disruptive innovation, and a less rigid educational system that allows individuals to find their own form of success.
(considering the many indications that US schools now train for tests, not knowledge perhaps alternatives to school are more attractive)