Entrepreneurial Europe vs. Asia and US
Asia’s response to Uber’s global ambitions—unlike Europe’s—was primarily entrepreneurial.
I think this is the difference between Europe and Asia (in this case) and USA: we, Europeans, put much more focus on help from legislation and institutions, instead of being more entrepreneurial. Also, because of the legislation, the bureaucracy and the friction they generate in Europe, we are more likely not to try to solve something the entrepreneurial way.
Combine this with a culture that sees failure as a black mark etched forever on somebody’s reputation and you have a perfect storm: less risks, less entrepreneurs.
But, I have to agree, at least you get a perception of a better work/life balance in Europe than in the US or Asia. Which feels true to me :)