European industry in decline. The European high-technology industry is in decline, according to a study published by the consultancy firm AT Kearney. Although purchases by European businesses and consumers still represent 24% of global expenditure in this area, Europe now has just 15 companies out of the top 100 high-tech firms in the world, and these now represent just 10% of the global turnover of the high-tech industry. It is mainly IT services companies saving the day, but in all other mass-market sectors, particularly electronics, European industries are losing ground. In the telecoms equipment sector, Europe is still clinging on, with three large European groups among the world's top 10: Ericsson, Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia Siemens Network (NSN). Ericsson invests $4.4 billion a year in R&D, Alcatel-Lucent $3.6 billion and NSN $3 billion, which is more than their Chinese competitors Huawei (€2.5 billion a year) and ZWE (€1.1 billion a year). However, the assets of the Asian players (particularly in terms of salary costs) could reverse the trend, to Europe's detriment. The telecoms equipment market in Asia is growing by 7% a year, compared to just 1.2% for the market in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. However, this dynamic Asian market mainly benefits Asian equipment manufacturers, which hold a 42% market share in Asia compared to just 28% for European producers. (IL/transl.fl)