ASML, a $300B Dutch firm, makes the machines that make semiconductors
The reason ASML is one of the few successful tech companies in Holland is because this type of engineering is so far distanced from consumer products. As soon as consumers come into play it triggers our HR departments to introduce a whole slew of non-engineering positions who pretty much tend to find power and kill/stifle technical innovation.<p>It's the reason Phillips (and many other great Dutch companies) has become an innovative shadow of what it used to be.<p>The US seems to have a better understanding how great engineering happens when talented engineers are running the show.