For someone that are going through the Norwegian school system I can tell you ...

There are of course always exceptions to the rule. Although my information is limited, Norway, Sweden and Denmark are to me countries that, one way or a other, fall in that category.

For additional U.S. versus European countries differences. The movie Where To Invade Next by Michael Moore is a interesting watch. Needles to say he is comparing the best cases he could find versus how its generally(?) done in the U.S.

... Technology or Science are just trailing helpers in problem solving. Lead runner is 'Will' (as in: Where there is a will, There is a way. Although that's presumes that Will is not preoccupied by a direct need to survive.). ...