It starts at school, with too much vocational-focused training and not enough liberal education i.e. learning how to learn, which produces a life-long skill. I don't blame the teachers (though it would be good to ensure the best intake by paying teachers properly): the problem is short-term politicians imposing short term solutions and budget cuts.

Finland has not been immune from this short-term thinking, in spite of free education and relatively high social status for teachers. Education is also free for kids who come to study in Finland, but there is now talk of making these visitors fee-paying. Idiots.

Long term planning with a wider vision would know that Finland, like many other parts of Europe, is facing an aging population and thus a diminishing workforce.

You can't be me, I'm taken