With the nature of the global economy the gap is likely to severely widen over the coming years. We don't need to design a product seperately for each location. Just one global design center with the best and brightest. People don't realize how competitive Europe is in this new global economy. Because they don't realize how sharp and well educated so many Europeans are.
Nokia versus Motorolla stock.. As far as I can tell Motorolla has done all the bs business school fad business 'theories'. And constantly cutting the 'fat', getting lean etc.. I believe the real answer for difference in performance is Nokia's Finish workforce is smarter and better technically educated then Motorolla's US workforce. I'm the only one arguing that point.
Nokia vs Motorollla sales will, largely, depend on how patriotic Europeans and Americans wish to behave as consumers.