[nugget]

I’d say brain drain is the root problem. It’s hard to build a competitive ecosystem when the most ambitious and skilled people move away. From Europe, they move to the US. From within the US, they move to one of a few cities, most notably San Francisco.

[ta988]

There is a brain drain because there are little to no opportunities if you are skilled and less skilled people keep trying to push you down the ladder. If you stop people from moving, they will grow discontent and will probably not be working in tech anyway and prefer a more sane environment. I don't think most U.S. people realize how bad, inefficient and crooked the tech scene can be in some countries.

[tommiegannert]

The brain is probably draining because there's more money available, though, linking your answer to the parent's.

[alexashka]

How do you explain Russia's success in tech?