Plechero claims that India and China invest more than the West in organisational innovation or the implementation of a company structure that creates a favourable climate for new inventions.
But what is the West to do then when it can neither compete on low wages or on the best innovation capacity?
"I think we need to become better at utilising others' knowledge, just as is done in China and India," she said.
"Of course, you have to specialise and find your own niche. Successful European companies are far too eager to keep their trade secrets to themselves," she said.