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My theory is that there is a strong pressure towards uniformity in these countries (Extreme Janteloven in Denmark). This is often marked out as a reason for the

by hirenj 5y ago

My theory is that there is a strong pressure towards uniformity in these countries (Extreme Janteloven in Denmark). This is often marked out as a reason for their success, however I suspect that the strong affinity biases (to use a loaded term) ensure that the countries lose out in exploring opportunities for innovation in the long run. What’s left is a focus on economic management, politicians whose main job is to maintain the status quo, and a low appetite for reform. Which I guess is fine for everyone if the money keeps rolling in, but is dispiriting for anyone that wants to try their hand at making something new. I’m happy to be pointed to links on how Nordics are hothouses for innovation (as opposed to just applying a known business model to a new market), as I would love to have the wrong end of the stick on this!

Zitrax 5y ago
Might not be exactly what you are looking for but just throwing it out there; Sweden often ranks high on some innovation metrics, like the Global Innovation Index: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_gii_2020/se.pdf https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_gii_2020/se.p....
Swedeaway 5y ago
Janteloven is mostly a political talking point. The text itself is being a hundred year old curiosity. Scandinavia have traditionally (in modern history) conformed not because you had to but because most people lived similar lives. When you have similar education, housing and work environment most people are similar even though you might be appreciate different things. There are for example many metal band from the Nordics. Go back a hundred years and that wasn't true. In fact 15%+ of swedes left for the US at one point. The Nordic countries are known for their Social Democracy where reforms are everything. That of course isn't true anymore, but there isn't much saying that conformity inhibits progress. In most cases you have to get to some good place before you can go somewhere else. That said, today Sweden is mostly a terrible place for any kind of knowledge work since the housing market is so screwed. Seems like these comments aren't going through though so... guess that was a waste much like Hacker News.

by hirenj 5y ago

Zitrax 5y ago

Might not be exactly what you are looking for but just throwing it out there; Sweden often ranks high on some innovation metrics, like the Global Innovation Index: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_gii_2020/se.pdf https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_gii_2020/se.p....

Swedeaway 5y ago

Janteloven is mostly a political talking point. The text itself is being a hundred year old curiosity. Scandinavia have traditionally (in modern history) conformed not because you had to but because most people lived similar lives. When you have similar education, housing and work environment most people are similar even though you might be appreciate different things. There are for example many metal band from the Nordics. Go back a hundred years and that wasn't true. In fact 15%+ of swedes left for the US at one point. The Nordic countries are known for their Social Democracy where reforms are everything. That of course isn't true anymore, but there isn't much saying that conformity inhibits progress. In most cases you have to get to some good place before you can go somewhere else. That said, today Sweden is mostly a terrible place for any kind of knowledge work since the housing market is so screwed. Seems like these comments aren't going through though so... guess that was a waste much like Hacker News.