Book excerpt examines why some countries produce excellence

An excerpt from Anirudh Krishna's book 'Why Kenyans Win Marathons and Estonians Build Unicorns' argues that excellence is not a product of exceptional people but of exceptional opportunities. The book challenges genetic, geographic and cultural explanations for why some countries produce world-beaters in fields like distance running, tech and music.

Krishna highlights Finland as a case study: its students top global tests despite less classroom time, less homework and almost no standardised testing. The secret, according to the excerpt, is a system built on highly trained and respected teachers who enjoy autonomy and collaboration. Finland's teacher training programme is hard to get into and aims to produce 'didacticians' who innovate based on evidence.

Finland's current system emerged from a series of reforms after World War II, when the country had a rundown and unequal education setup. Today, comprehensive state-run schools provide free education, food, medical care and counselling to all children aged seven to sixteen. Teachers largely self-regulate within a broad national curriculum, and collaboration among teachers is encouraged through team activities and scheduled time for idea sharing.