@aw I think that can definitely be a problem, but I also think it overestimates the relative importance of the engineering side of software development.

Ultimately I would say that the deciding factor in how software gets developed is less the circumstances of the engineers, and more the interests of those funding it - developers build 'global platforms' because investors demand that they do, because that is how you monopolize a market and claim back the 'investment' tenfold. The relative social isolation of engineers, to me, seems more consequence than cause.

There are certainly tech companies, for instance, that work mostly/entirely remote, but that are still closely engaged with the needs of their communities. But... they are small companies, not VC-funded, not trying to make billions, and they don't come up in global headlines.