Slavik, I agree that having a business is a constant challenge... but people love this challenge! Looking for new niches, new products, looking for new clients - this is was gets business owners excited, unless they are in it just for money... most people who own businesses truly love what they do, their business is their baby. And as far as "products in our environment" - there is not only "our" immediate environment, products are to be made for industry, for science labs, for defense, for research institutions.
This is our primary focus, not consumer products. As far as consumer products - you are right to a very large degree.
And I think this is where our future is. New technology development still will be in the first world countries, new industries will start here, and garden variety things will be manufactured in China.
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Happy New Year to all! Virtual hugs!