No, it was a first mover, with what was in hindsight an obvious innovation.
When you're a second mover, though, protectionism is absolutely necessary. Observe American heavy industry during the 19th century, the two Japanese economic miracles, any of the Asian Tiger economies, German auto firms...
If your goal is to grow a domestic industry against powerful established players, you should absolutely not optimize what is good for consumers.
When you're a second mover, though, protectionism is absolutely necessary. Observe American heavy industry during the 19th century, the two Japanese economic miracles, any of the Asian Tiger economies, German auto firms...
If your goal is to grow a domestic industry against powerful established players, you should absolutely not optimize what is good for consumers.