[Uri’el-2012]

Interesting piece, but it has one screaming flaw: the innovation you ascribe to England and the Netherlands was preceded by innovation in Italy

Venice to be precise.
Support for trade with the silk trade route to the east by ship.

[wideawake]

Venice was extremely important for trade, but Florence was innovative for financial products and the whole Tuscany/Romagna/Adige region was extremely innovative in craftsmanship and design.