All developing markets "steal" until they've caught up with the competition. Just look at the US and how they "stole" innovations and tech from Europe.
except that they are not
I believe that is what is being referenced.
“he brought British textile technology to the United States, modifying it for American use. He memorized the textile factory machinery designs as an apprentice to a pioneer in the British industry before migrating to the U.S. at the age of 21.”
the European themselves bringing this industry to the US