(FORTUNE Magazine) – Traditionally, women in business made their way to the top through family connections or government service. Many still do. But the new economy, with its flexible structures and ethos of meritocracy, is providing an important avenue of advancement for women of talent and determination. On the following pages, Fortune features the six most powerful businesswomen from Europe and Asia--one winner and five runners-up from each region. Half of them work in industries that did not exist a decade ago. And watch out--more are on their way.