I think the base of the problem you're describing is the small population base and (less so) tyranny of distance.
If you're in the US and come up with a product there are lots of options for accessing new markets fast. If you're in Japan then you have a much larger audience, captive, most of it in close proximity. Australia has low population. It's heavily concentrated in the cities, but they're a significant distance apart.
I became aware of this when I read "Barbarians at the Gate". Early on, it describes the rise of RJR Reynolds. I found it amazing that you could just get on your horse and ride on to the next city with your capital and ideas and make acquisitions and expand.
Australia could chase edge by becoming a low-tax or low-red-tape capital. But never does :)
>Australia could chase edge by becoming a low-tax or low-red-tape capital.
Although our country was founded and grew up with a "low red-tape" mentality, the last 30 years of global-scale mining boom has forever removed that possibility from our environment. Combining socialised welfare, healthcare and (finally!) decent network infrastructure with the Western selfish love of toys, there's not a chance we are ever going to return to a low-tax, low-red-tape society.
If you're in the US and come up with a product there are lots of options for accessing new markets fast. If you're in Japan then you have a much larger audience, captive, most of it in close proximity. Australia has low population. It's heavily concentrated in the cities, but they're a significant distance apart.
I became aware of this when I read "Barbarians at the Gate". Early on, it describes the rise of RJR Reynolds. I found it amazing that you could just get on your horse and ride on to the next city with your capital and ideas and make acquisitions and expand.
Australia could chase edge by becoming a low-tax or low-red-tape capital. But never does :)