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Solved!: How Other Countries Have Cracked the World's Biggest Problems and We Can Too
Sometimes the solutions are closer than we think.
Denmark will reach 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030. Iceland has topped gender equality rankings for a decade and counting. Singaporean students beat almost all others in maths and reading. South Koreans will soon live longer than anyone else on Earth. The US city of Boston, global epicentre of biotech, has the most innovative square mile on the planet.
How have these places and more achieved such remarkable success? Policy adviser Andrew Wear examines what has worked around the world and how we can apply the lessons at home, introducing us to inspiring community leaders, renowned authorities and visionary policymakers transforming the globe.
We don’t have to look far to tackle humanity’s most pressing concerns. Solved! is a much-needed dose of optimism in an atmosphere of doom and gloom, a toolkit for those seeking social change. Informative, accessible and revelatory, it shows the solutions exist – we just need to know where to find them.
Denmark will reach 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030. Iceland has topped gender equality rankings for a decade and counting. Singaporean students beat almost all others in maths and reading. South Koreans will soon live longer than anyone else on Earth. The US city of Boston, global epicentre of biotech, has the most innovative square mile on the planet.
How have these places and more achieved such remarkable success? Policy adviser Andrew Wear examines what has worked around the world and how we can apply the lessons at home, introducing us to inspiring community leaders, renowned authorities and visionary policymakers transforming the globe.
We don’t have to look far to tackle humanity’s most pressing concerns. Solved! is a much-needed dose of optimism in an atmosphere of doom and gloom, a toolkit for those seeking social change. Informative, accessible and revelatory, it shows the solutions exist – we just need to know where to find them.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2020
38 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Wear
2 books14 followersAndrew Wear is a policy expert, economist and author who is passionate about searching the world for policy solutions that work. He is the author of Solved. How other countries cracked the world’s biggest problems (and we can too) (2020) which has been translated into many languages. His latest book is Recovery. How we can build create a better, brighter future after a crisis, which was published in September 2021.
Formerly a senior public servant, Andrew was City Economist and Director, Economic Development and International at the City of Melbourne, where he played a key role shaping Melbourne’s response to the pandemic. He is now a consultant, working with cities, regions and industries to navigate economic change and unlock new opportunities.
Formerly a senior public servant, Andrew was City Economist and Director, Economic Development and International at the City of Melbourne, where he played a key role shaping Melbourne’s response to the pandemic. He is now a consultant, working with cities, regions and industries to navigate economic change and unlock new opportunities.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 25, 2020
I think it's fair to say that this book has lofty ambitions, and that if you're hoping to solve the world's problems by reading it... well, it's a good start but you might need to do a bit more work!
On the upside, this book addresses 10 different problems being faced by nations today, and then shows how a specific nation has addressed this problem. It's undoubted that many of these countries have found good solutions, though none is perfect, and indeed some don't look all that great to me. For example, Wear holds up Singapore as the paragon of excellent education, and indeed Singapore has exceptional achievements in this area, but even by his own admission Singapore also has highly stressed and anxious students and has a system that forcibly streams students far too early. I'd much rather emulate some of the Scandinavian countries, which also have excellent education systems (though does not quite achieve to the level of Singapore) while also having high levels of happiness.
To his credit, Wear acknowledges the failings and problems in each of the potential solutions, holding each one up as something that can inspire and direct other countries, without having to be taken on whole. It's an interesting book and makes the point that many of the supposedly intractable problems of our times have demonstrated solutions, and that governments should be looking at their neighbours and to an evidence base for solutions.
One of the most interesting things I took from this book was the fact that, contrary to the claims of so many politicians, higher taxes do not necessarily hurt economies or stymie innovation, but they do result in greater social equality which in turn engenders greater overall happiness. Perhaps ScoMo might want to read this book? Nah....
On the upside, this book addresses 10 different problems being faced by nations today, and then shows how a specific nation has addressed this problem. It's undoubted that many of these countries have found good solutions, though none is perfect, and indeed some don't look all that great to me. For example, Wear holds up Singapore as the paragon of excellent education, and indeed Singapore has exceptional achievements in this area, but even by his own admission Singapore also has highly stressed and anxious students and has a system that forcibly streams students far too early. I'd much rather emulate some of the Scandinavian countries, which also have excellent education systems (though does not quite achieve to the level of Singapore) while also having high levels of happiness.
To his credit, Wear acknowledges the failings and problems in each of the potential solutions, holding each one up as something that can inspire and direct other countries, without having to be taken on whole. It's an interesting book and makes the point that many of the supposedly intractable problems of our times have demonstrated solutions, and that governments should be looking at their neighbours and to an evidence base for solutions.
One of the most interesting things I took from this book was the fact that, contrary to the claims of so many politicians, higher taxes do not necessarily hurt economies or stymie innovation, but they do result in greater social equality which in turn engenders greater overall happiness. Perhaps ScoMo might want to read this book? Nah....
August 2, 2021
Solved is a fantastic book that identifies which countries are doing the best job of tackling major problems, examines how they do it, and explains what other countries can do to emulate them.
From interviews with people working at a community level through to international statistics, the range of Andrew Wear's research is broad and impressive. The book is both easy to read and full of information.
Wear highlights some key themes between countries and analyses the historical and social conditions that have allowed certain countries to become world leaders. He also discusses how we - as individuals and societies - can apply the lessons from the book to our own situations.
Solved is a timely alternative to the dread and pessimism which seems to have permeated into so much of today's media. There is a huge amount of progress being made around the world which does not get a lot of attention. By illuminating some of the success stories, Wear brings us one step closer to solving our own problems.
If only some of our politicians could read this book.
From interviews with people working at a community level through to international statistics, the range of Andrew Wear's research is broad and impressive. The book is both easy to read and full of information.
Wear highlights some key themes between countries and analyses the historical and social conditions that have allowed certain countries to become world leaders. He also discusses how we - as individuals and societies - can apply the lessons from the book to our own situations.
Solved is a timely alternative to the dread and pessimism which seems to have permeated into so much of today's media. There is a huge amount of progress being made around the world which does not get a lot of attention. By illuminating some of the success stories, Wear brings us one step closer to solving our own problems.
If only some of our politicians could read this book.
June 7, 2020
Highly recommend this book for anyone who’s interested in policy ideas. I found it intellectually nourishing, fascinating and insightful
May 10, 2020
This was a sensational read from start to finish and re-ignited my interest in the public policy framework. We hear of the huge, existential risks and policy challenges that face governments of today often paired with a sense of pessimism. Andrew brings a welcome sense of optimism of how various governments across the world have tackled such issues.
The construction of the book is brilliant with the blend of a evidence-based research fused together with a variety of personal anecdotes tying the chapters together nicely. Another enjoyable aspect of this book is both the public policy buff and novice alike could read it with relative ease perhaps something that lacks in overly bureaucratic works. Collectively, Andrew's work goes to show governments can be effective in delivering meaningful policy outcomes and how we as active citizens can be a part of this process.
The construction of the book is brilliant with the blend of a evidence-based research fused together with a variety of personal anecdotes tying the chapters together nicely. Another enjoyable aspect of this book is both the public policy buff and novice alike could read it with relative ease perhaps something that lacks in overly bureaucratic works. Collectively, Andrew's work goes to show governments can be effective in delivering meaningful policy outcomes and how we as active citizens can be a part of this process.
July 21, 2020
A captivating read!
Can't help but think how topical and timely the chapter on policing is in light of the recent upheaval and horrifying images coming out of the US in relation to police violence. The contrast with the UK shows the difference discretion, humanity and respect makes in terms of evoking legitimacy, a reduction in crime and the homicide rate.
The chapter on multiculturalism made me feel relieved to be an Aussie and that my children get to grow up in a multicultural city in which it's normal to be surrounded by diverse languages, cultures, food, religions and festivals. This chapter drove home for me the notion that embracing different cultures is not only good for us as a community but for our economic prosperity.
The chapter on gender equality in Iceland was an eye opener and made me cheer for those Icelandic women of the 70's - NINETY percent of whom went on strike for a day, refusing to work, cook or look after children. Newspapers went unprinted, flights were grounded, childcare centres and schools closed. A participant who attended is quoted in the book as describing the day as 'magnificent' - and I'd have to agree. Surely if that's not going to draw attention to the need for equality and respect for women, nothing will. (Women of the world take note)!
The final chapter I want to mention relates to tackling climate change in a concrete, measurable way in Denmark. If a small island off the Danish coast can emit negative 3.7 tonnes of greenhouse gas per year, for the love of god, why can't the rest of the world?!
The biggest take home message for me is that surely in this day and age, with technology, will power, money and good governance, there really is no excuse not to have a red hot go at transforming our communities, cities and countries into the best version of green, equal, respectful, healthy, innovative and democratic societies we can.
Read it, tell your friends, ask your government for what you want and vote!
Can't help but think how topical and timely the chapter on policing is in light of the recent upheaval and horrifying images coming out of the US in relation to police violence. The contrast with the UK shows the difference discretion, humanity and respect makes in terms of evoking legitimacy, a reduction in crime and the homicide rate.
The chapter on multiculturalism made me feel relieved to be an Aussie and that my children get to grow up in a multicultural city in which it's normal to be surrounded by diverse languages, cultures, food, religions and festivals. This chapter drove home for me the notion that embracing different cultures is not only good for us as a community but for our economic prosperity.
The chapter on gender equality in Iceland was an eye opener and made me cheer for those Icelandic women of the 70's - NINETY percent of whom went on strike for a day, refusing to work, cook or look after children. Newspapers went unprinted, flights were grounded, childcare centres and schools closed. A participant who attended is quoted in the book as describing the day as 'magnificent' - and I'd have to agree. Surely if that's not going to draw attention to the need for equality and respect for women, nothing will. (Women of the world take note)!
The final chapter I want to mention relates to tackling climate change in a concrete, measurable way in Denmark. If a small island off the Danish coast can emit negative 3.7 tonnes of greenhouse gas per year, for the love of god, why can't the rest of the world?!
The biggest take home message for me is that surely in this day and age, with technology, will power, money and good governance, there really is no excuse not to have a red hot go at transforming our communities, cities and countries into the best version of green, equal, respectful, healthy, innovative and democratic societies we can.
Read it, tell your friends, ask your government for what you want and vote!
July 21, 2020
A great achievement to cover such wide ranging policy issues across the world, and point us to ‘the possible’. The dose of optimism we need right now.
September 25, 2020
This is a very well written and uplifting book. Like many others, I am often disappointed about how good policy is lost in politics and how far we often seem to be from achieving good solutions to our social, economic and environmental problems. Wear explains clearly why we should be hopeful - there are others who are well on the way to solving these problems. He also provides some very clear advice on what actions we should take next. People working in government or looking to increase their participation in civil society should read this book.
September 27, 2020
Every chapter is about a different country and how it has solved an important issue eg Singapore education, Australian migrant, US innovation, Germany high quality manufacturing etc. The book covered the good and the bad- what each country has done well in a particular area and room for improvement. Pretty insightful lah
March 28, 2020
loved this book! awesome to read a book filled with so many solutions for some of the worlds biggest problems
October 20, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5
"Solved" takes us on a journey through different countries’ success stories:
Denmark: Tackling greenhouse emissions with ambitious sustainability goals which can curb climate chane. There is whole island named Samso Island which becomes world's leading green energy community for the past 20 years and Copenhagen became the world's "Greenest" City.
Singapore: Achieving world-class educational outcomes through meritocracy. The backbone is their Government School system where teachers were developed first and not students. Education is important as it decreases poverty, increases health literacy and thus productivity.
UK: Crime rates got curbed by situational crime prevention. The whole section was like Minority Report movie. The Cops does not use guns to intimidate instead they use tasers. It helps to increase trust and crime report rates.
Norway: Striving for greater social equality through free educations programs. Higher education = Higher Income = Higher Social Mobility.
South Korea: Boosting life expectancies through healthcare innovation, free regular check-ups based on their ages, national health insurance and early healthy food like Kimchi. One of the highest vegetable eating nations.
Australia: Most successful multicultural country in the world. Welcoming skilled immigrants which improves economy and also non-skilled immigrants by developing them through settlement services like free 100 hours of English classes. I got to understand the economics of migrations. More people working = More Tax = More Welfare/Development for an ageing population.
United States: Developing innovative cities through building an ecosystem of companies, Universities, investors start-ups, scale-ups and intermediaries all around same areas.
Germany: Creating high-quality, expensive goods that the world still buys. Germany has 10% of world's exports with just 1% of world's labor. Build institution that makes RnD and collaborate economic players.
Also, surprised to learn that Siri was a spinoff from a military AI program! I knew about the internet and GPS, but Siri too?
There’s no reason why we can’t adapt these successes to our own nations. The theme of this book reminded me of a powerful verse from the Quran:
"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." (13:11)
May Allah bless us to become better humans, and through that, better nations!
"Solved" takes us on a journey through different countries’ success stories:
Denmark: Tackling greenhouse emissions with ambitious sustainability goals which can curb climate chane. There is whole island named Samso Island which becomes world's leading green energy community for the past 20 years and Copenhagen became the world's "Greenest" City.
Singapore: Achieving world-class educational outcomes through meritocracy. The backbone is their Government School system where teachers were developed first and not students. Education is important as it decreases poverty, increases health literacy and thus productivity.
UK: Crime rates got curbed by situational crime prevention. The whole section was like Minority Report movie. The Cops does not use guns to intimidate instead they use tasers. It helps to increase trust and crime report rates.
Norway: Striving for greater social equality through free educations programs. Higher education = Higher Income = Higher Social Mobility.
South Korea: Boosting life expectancies through healthcare innovation, free regular check-ups based on their ages, national health insurance and early healthy food like Kimchi. One of the highest vegetable eating nations.
Australia: Most successful multicultural country in the world. Welcoming skilled immigrants which improves economy and also non-skilled immigrants by developing them through settlement services like free 100 hours of English classes. I got to understand the economics of migrations. More people working = More Tax = More Welfare/Development for an ageing population.
United States: Developing innovative cities through building an ecosystem of companies, Universities, investors start-ups, scale-ups and intermediaries all around same areas.
Germany: Creating high-quality, expensive goods that the world still buys. Germany has 10% of world's exports with just 1% of world's labor. Build institution that makes RnD and collaborate economic players.
Also, surprised to learn that Siri was a spinoff from a military AI program! I knew about the internet and GPS, but Siri too?
There’s no reason why we can’t adapt these successes to our own nations. The theme of this book reminded me of a powerful verse from the Quran:
"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." (13:11)
May Allah bless us to become better humans, and through that, better nations!
November 20, 2022
If I had to recommend one economics book to anyone, this would be it. Right mixture of information, theory, and most importantly a call to change.
March 9, 2020
It's nice to have a positive look at the world, and to see what real people have done to make the world more livable. The ideas at the end of each chapter for actual policies that could be implemented are very useful as responses to other people who say snarkily, "Well, what can we even do to fix anything?" And now I'm like, "Well, I'm glad you asked..." I'm looking forward to a follow up that goes into more detail, and maybe looks at countries who are headed in the right direction but maybe not there yet. I must also say that I do really appreciate the Australian orientation.
May 30, 2020
Love this book! So nice to read such an optimistic book full of solutions!
Reread on the 30/05/20: I liked this book even more the second time around! It was good to read something that was full of solutions, and even though it was practically the first non-fiction book that I’ve ever voluntarily read, I still really enjoyed it.
Reread on the 30/05/20: I liked this book even more the second time around! It was good to read something that was full of solutions, and even though it was practically the first non-fiction book that I’ve ever voluntarily read, I still really enjoyed it.
March 10, 2020
A must read for all those interested(and not interested). Solved! is the best book I've read in a while. I rate it 5 stars.
November 7, 2021
Outstanding read. As a public policy enthusiast, it was remarkable to read about the amazing successes that countries around the world have had in tackling seemingly insurmountable problems, such as reducing crime, inequality, carbon emissions among others. One of the biggest surprises for me was that high-taxing economies (such as those in Northern Europe) do not stymie economic growth, but actually promote it. This is a side-effect of reduced societal inequality. Another lasting memory from this book was the transition of Samso Island from a degrading agrarian outpost to a carbon-negative island. Understandably, Wear acknowledges that these proposed solutions are not cookie-cutter in nature; there is a myriad of factors such as culture, history, institutions and politics that may impede any immediate or lasting changes.
Nevertheless, this book is a call to action that we as individuals wield more power than we often believe, and can truly make a lasting impact on the world if the mindset shall allow. At the very least, Wear's book deserves to spark conversations about how we can better the world we live in.
Nevertheless, this book is a call to action that we as individuals wield more power than we often believe, and can truly make a lasting impact on the world if the mindset shall allow. At the very least, Wear's book deserves to spark conversations about how we can better the world we live in.
December 31, 2020
Great material, well-structured and this book provided me with broader insights into the affairs of the world! I have learnt to also embrace the vision towards achieving world-best outcomes.
January 6, 2025
An excellent book which clearly demonstrates that many of the world's difficult problems have already been solved somewhere in the world - we just have to look, listen and learn.
May 28, 2022
4.5/5
A book I wish my government had read (or at least would read before they take office). It may or may not be relevant, but understanding how other countries have tackled their problems (which are similar to ours) is a good start.
The book clearly explains what each country has done to tackle a specific problem (solutions-what). However, I feel some chapters can be improved to explain more on the ‘how’ part. ‘How’ part refers to, for example, how a country execute the solution that has helped them reach their current position in the world. Anyway, it’s great that each chapter is equipped with comparisons, figures, and history for us to better understand the overall context.
A book I wish my government had read (or at least would read before they take office). It may or may not be relevant, but understanding how other countries have tackled their problems (which are similar to ours) is a good start.
The book clearly explains what each country has done to tackle a specific problem (solutions-what). However, I feel some chapters can be improved to explain more on the ‘how’ part. ‘How’ part refers to, for example, how a country execute the solution that has helped them reach their current position in the world. Anyway, it’s great that each chapter is equipped with comparisons, figures, and history for us to better understand the overall context.
October 10, 2020
This wonderful book takes an optimistic, practical look at how other countries/places are solving the world’s great problems. Each chapter is covers a separate topic. So, you can take one chapter at a time, or plow through the whole book. Either way, you’ll get a much needed shot of hope.
May 17, 2021
"Two years"
A youtube lecture from Bill Nye about critical thinking skills was playing as I was finishing up an end of day project for work. "It takes two years..rougly..for someone to be able to change their mind". The impetus to change may be the rubber band snapping. The change itself, an elastic interminable stretch.
Wear's passionate wonky book "Solved", brings frameworks for social policy, financial systematic changes and political shifts that have the potential to improve America's intractable problems. Investments in workers in Germany, pro-immigration policies in Australia, social equity programs in Nordic countries and pro-democracy initiatives at Indonesia are some of the cases examined here. Measured effort show up in all the metrics that we would define as real change - improved longevity, reduced infant mortality rates, better employment opportunities.
The book is not as focused on America's hindrances to these solutions. Given that America feels like a multitude of countries, I wondered if this exploration of regional differences could help inform why vast changes here happy more slowly. American individual as a virtue seems opposed to top-down transformation on principal. And still there are so many ideas permeating our country that have the potential to positively transform our democracy and economic justice.
Considering the scientific breakthroughs and social breakdowns our country experienced from the coronavirus, how do we prepare for the next crisis. Like many people adjusting to the "new normal", I feel more hopeful in asking "what can be changed". Wear's "Solved", is not prescriptive, but shows how countries have pulled themselves from war-torn poverty, economic fallout and political intransigence. Regardless of how we score America's response on the latest pandemic, we reckoned with a crisis that re-shaped reality. The climate crisis looms, our social restorative justice efforts continual, and we may soon again confront a problem without resolution. Whether we are prepared to take it on is something we would be wise to consider now.
A youtube lecture from Bill Nye about critical thinking skills was playing as I was finishing up an end of day project for work. "It takes two years..rougly..for someone to be able to change their mind". The impetus to change may be the rubber band snapping. The change itself, an elastic interminable stretch.
Wear's passionate wonky book "Solved", brings frameworks for social policy, financial systematic changes and political shifts that have the potential to improve America's intractable problems. Investments in workers in Germany, pro-immigration policies in Australia, social equity programs in Nordic countries and pro-democracy initiatives at Indonesia are some of the cases examined here. Measured effort show up in all the metrics that we would define as real change - improved longevity, reduced infant mortality rates, better employment opportunities.
The book is not as focused on America's hindrances to these solutions. Given that America feels like a multitude of countries, I wondered if this exploration of regional differences could help inform why vast changes here happy more slowly. American individual as a virtue seems opposed to top-down transformation on principal. And still there are so many ideas permeating our country that have the potential to positively transform our democracy and economic justice.
Considering the scientific breakthroughs and social breakdowns our country experienced from the coronavirus, how do we prepare for the next crisis. Like many people adjusting to the "new normal", I feel more hopeful in asking "what can be changed". Wear's "Solved", is not prescriptive, but shows how countries have pulled themselves from war-torn poverty, economic fallout and political intransigence. Regardless of how we score America's response on the latest pandemic, we reckoned with a crisis that re-shaped reality. The climate crisis looms, our social restorative justice efforts continual, and we may soon again confront a problem without resolution. Whether we are prepared to take it on is something we would be wise to consider now.
January 28, 2023
Ah the relief of finally finishing this book after trying and failing repeatedly (for two years and one month...). An interesting public policy take on how different countries’ institutions, regulations, norms and structural conditions led to excellence in different fields. Chapters on education, crime, gender equality and immigration were standouts for me, with the chapter on democracy the low point. Each chapter finishes with a set of ambitious policy positions, and the final two chapters combine some light touch comparative political analysis looking at regional differences between the Anglosphere, Northern Europe and East Asian Tigers with a call to arms for the disillusioned populace to get involved at the local level.
March 27, 2021
Great read.
As the title suggests, this book provides great insight into how countries are tackling important global issues such as gender inequality, carbon emissions, education and health care (to name a few). It really provides readers with great information on how these countries are able to achieve success in these areas and what we can do as individuals.
As with many things in life, the common denominators stay true in achieving/progressing towards success in the global issues outlined in this book. Strong leadership, government buy in and support, and education of citizens are of utmost importance to tackle such large collective issues.
As the title suggests, this book provides great insight into how countries are tackling important global issues such as gender inequality, carbon emissions, education and health care (to name a few). It really provides readers with great information on how these countries are able to achieve success in these areas and what we can do as individuals.
As with many things in life, the common denominators stay true in achieving/progressing towards success in the global issues outlined in this book. Strong leadership, government buy in and support, and education of citizens are of utmost importance to tackle such large collective issues.
December 14, 2020
Great concept, and just goes to show that we already know how to address many of the world's biggest challenges effectively - it's just a matter of getting leaders and communities on board and implementing solutions in culturally appropriate ways. If only all our politicians were required to read this!
It's detailed, well-researched and looks at the strengths and weaknesses of each solution, using data and expert comments for illustration. I did skip some parts that I found a bit dry.
It's detailed, well-researched and looks at the strengths and weaknesses of each solution, using data and expert comments for illustration. I did skip some parts that I found a bit dry.
January 3, 2025
Nicely written and well researched
January 25, 2021
Solved! is a quite insightful look into best practices in areas such as health, education and innovation across the world.
I found Wear's writing to be knowledgable and neutral when covering each topic. He provides a detailed overview about a countries policy and approach, acknowledges areas in which it could be approved, and then offers a few ways in which countries can learn from that experience.
This book will hold your attention if you are interested in public policy.
I found Wear's writing to be knowledgable and neutral when covering each topic. He provides a detailed overview about a countries policy and approach, acknowledges areas in which it could be approved, and then offers a few ways in which countries can learn from that experience.
This book will hold your attention if you are interested in public policy.
June 12, 2023
This suffers from Cass Sunstein syndrome a little, I think, and it does feel like a Nordic countries adulation session sometimes, but I did like that the author often noted the counterpoints and criticisms of certain issues and solutions without pretending to have all the answers. It does neglect cultural and geographical factors in universalising its solutions sometimes, though, and really? Australia as an exemplar for immigration?! My goodness.
January 31, 2021
The language is easy to read and it helps that he also has anecdotes, putting a human face on the issues in the book. The content is good for thought. It made me really think why my own country wasn’t doing some of the things mentioned when others were about to. It also makes me think if my political leaders were reading this book!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews