The Wall Street Journal

The Tech Industry Is Huge—and Europe’s Share of It Is Very Small

A risk-averse business culture and complex regulations have stifled innovation on the continent, weighing on its future

Han Xiao set up his AI startup in Berlin but is now relocating to the U.S. Nadja Wohlleben for WSJ

BERLIN—The world’s technology revolution is leaving Europe behind. 

Europe lacks any homegrown alternatives to the likes of Google, Amazon or Meta. Apple’s market value is bigger than the entire German stock market. The continent’s inability to create more big technology firms is seen as one of its biggest challenges and is a major reason why its economies are stagnating. The issue is even more urgent with the prospect of higher tariffs threatening to further curb economic growth. 

WSJ Logo