Interesting article, although I don't really agree with your first point. In France, I find that the fintech market is very competitive, and I constantly see ads for innovative card machines, payment processors and the like. Absolutely no shops here would bother with a machine that imposes a tipping screen…
Personally, I find that Google Maps can be a good starting point for finding train routes, specifically in Belgium. (You can then head to SNCB's website or app for more details and ticketing.) The same holds true for cycling: GM is certainly not perfect, but gets the job done. In addition, there ARE tools for better cycle routes such as Komoot. And let's not forget about the Open Street Map project. The worst monopoly of Google Maps, in my view, is business listings. It's just by far the best and easiest way to find, say, a certain restaurant or café, check opening hours and take a peek at the menu.
I think that's just it, Google Maps is a starting point but most consumers (especially the young) now want an app that's a one-stop shop. Google Maps is not that for trains and cycling. Komoot is good for sports cycling but not for getting around town by bike - those are two very different activities. Agreed on business listings, I can't fault Google Maps there.
This is why I've always believed "strategic autonomy" won't be ever reached without "cultural autonomy" as well.
Interesting article, although I don't really agree with your first point. In France, I find that the fintech market is very competitive, and I constantly see ads for innovative card machines, payment processors and the like. Absolutely no shops here would bother with a machine that imposes a tipping screen…
That's interesting! I think France is probably the European country that resists Americanisation the most, certainly in linguistic terms.
Personally, I find that Google Maps can be a good starting point for finding train routes, specifically in Belgium. (You can then head to SNCB's website or app for more details and ticketing.) The same holds true for cycling: GM is certainly not perfect, but gets the job done. In addition, there ARE tools for better cycle routes such as Komoot. And let's not forget about the Open Street Map project. The worst monopoly of Google Maps, in my view, is business listings. It's just by far the best and easiest way to find, say, a certain restaurant or café, check opening hours and take a peek at the menu.
I think that's just it, Google Maps is a starting point but most consumers (especially the young) now want an app that's a one-stop shop. Google Maps is not that for trains and cycling. Komoot is good for sports cycling but not for getting around town by bike - those are two very different activities. Agreed on business listings, I can't fault Google Maps there.