Confidence in breakthrough technologies
A global survey of 13,000 people in 13 countries shows that people are fundamentally positive about new technologies. The study also reveals a clear correlation between knowledge and attitude: the more people know about a technology, the more positively they view it.
Friday, January 24, 2025
Leaps by Bayer and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) have conducted one of the most extensive global surveys on the acceptance of breakthrough technologies. A total of 13,000 people from 13 countries on all continents except Antarctica took part. The participants were asked about their attitudes towards cell and gene therapies, AI in medicine, new breeding technologies in agriculture and cultured meat. The results show optimism towards science and technology. However, there is a lack of trust in some western countries. Scepticism is fuelled by a lack of knowledge and trust: the study found a clear correlation between the knowledge of the respondents about a technology and how optimistic they are about it.
The same picture is emerging in Switzerland, as highlighted by a survey conducted by gfs.bern: 44 per cent of respondents were undecided about genome-edited plants. However, after a brief explanation, 64 per cent viewed the technology as useful – and this view was shared across party lines. It is clear that the world relies on groundbreaking technologies. Not only can they overcome current challenges such as crop failures or climate change, but they can also gain social acceptance – if trust is created.
Key findings from the global survey
Optimism about science is greater in certain regions: Overall, 72 per cent of survey participants are optimistic about the direction the world is taking in terms of science and technology. Middle-income countries, such as China (86 per cent) and Nigeria (94 per cent), are more optimistic about science than high-income Western countries such as France (53 per cent), Germany (54 per cent) or the USA (68 per cent).
The West is suffering from a crisis of confidence: Overall, 62 per cent of respondents trust health authorities to act in the best interests of the public. Trust in Western countries is significantly lower – for example, 48 per cent in France and 56 per cent in the US – compared to middle-income countries such as China (73 per cent) and Nigeria (86 per cent).
Positive attitudes towards new breeding technologies: most respondents (56 per cent globally) have a positive view of the use of NZTs in agriculture, particularly when such technologies are used to make crops more resilient to climate change. 47 per cent of European respondents have a positive view of NZTs and 34 per cent are neutral, while only 12 per cent have a negative view. This openness is noteworthy given that the use of NZTs remains highly restricted in Europe.
In an era of shifting geopolitics, society's need for solutions to climate change, strained healthcare systems and global nutrition remains as pressing as ever. But new technologies alone are only part of the answer. Increased knowledge and trust are paramount to public acceptance of new technologies that can improve human health and well-being.
About Leaps by Bayer
Leaps by Bayer aims to solve ten of the greatest challenges facing humanity through breakthrough innovation. As Bayer's strategic impact investment unit, we have already invested over $2 billion in more than 65 companies pursuing novel scientific approaches in the areas of health and agriculture. We aim to use these investments in emerging technology platforms to overcome ten significant challenges (‘leaps’). www.leaps.bayer.com
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