"You can find academic and industrial groups doing some relevant work, but there isn't a focus on building complex molecular systems. In that respect, Japan is first, Europe is second, and we're third"

K. Eric Drexler's quote is describing the existing state of research study and advancement in the field of molecular systems. He is recommending that while there are academic and commercial groups doing relevant work, there is not a strong concentrate on building complex molecular systems. He is suggesting that Japan is leading the way in this field, followed by Europe, and after that the United States is third. This quote implies that the United States is lagging behind in the development of complex molecular systems, and that there is a requirement for more research study and advancement in this area. Drexler's quote is a call to action for the United States to invest more resources into the development of complex molecular systems, so that it can reach the other nations in this field.