Every nation has its own path to progress. But we Muslims are bound by Ahkaam (commandments) of Allah SWT. Allah Says:
2:219.. THEY WILL ASK thee about intoxicants and games of chance. Say: "In both there is great evil as well as some benefit for man; but the evil which they cause is greater than the benefit which they bring."
Here Allah says there are a few benefits, but are they worth? Wrath of Allah SWT falling on us.
So we Muslims have our own independent path to progress. Scholars guide us on this. If we ignore them, we are on the path of downfall.

