A new global study conducted by Leaps by Bayer in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Ipsos reveals how people around the world feel about cutting-edge technologies shaping healthcare and agriculture.
Bayer, during an online VIP Media briefing, attended by ASHENEWS’ Editor-in-Chief, Abdallah el-Kurebe shared interesting data gathered from the study on the public’s attitudes toward biotechnology.
The scope of the study
The largest global study on the perception of biotechnology surveyed 13,000 individuals in 13 countries across the world, including Nigeria and South Africa, to gather their responses, which provided a glimpse into public sentiment about the future of science and innovation.
Undertaken to understand people’s hopes and fears related to breakthrough technologies, the study sought to understand the people’s attitudes toward four highly relevant areas: Cell and gene therapies, new genomic techniques (like CRISPR), cultured meat, and AI in medicine.
The VIP Media briefing, conducted by several senior leaders from Leaps by Bayer and BCG, shared key takeaways from the study with a small group of handpicked journalists from eight countries.
Countries investigated in the study
The data seeks to answer questions such as: Which countries are the most receptive to emerging breakthroughs in biotech? What is the #1 factor that drives optimism across the board in science? How does climate change impact the perception of new genomic techniques in crops? How do different generations, from Gen Z to Boomers, feel about AI and medical research?
The study explored opinions on artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, gene therapies, cultivated meat, and genomic advancements in agriculture.
Optimism about science and technology: An overwhelming 72% of people expressed hope that science and technology can tackle society’s biggest challenges, far more than confidence in the economy (39%) or politics (31%). Optimism was especially high in countries like Nigeria (94%) and China (86%), reflecting faith in innovation to improve lives.
AI in healthcare: AI is gaining acceptance in healthcare, with 64% of respondents feeling positive about its potential to improve drug discovery and diagnostics. However, concerns linger around data privacy and ensuring that human oversight remains part of the process.
Gene therapy’s promise: Gene therapies were the standout innovation, with 74% expressing optimism about their potential to treat or cure conditions like Parkinson’s disease and genetic disorders. Even so, nearly half of those surveyed worried about potential side effects, highlighting the need for transparency in this area.
Agriculture and genomic advancements: New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in agriculture received mixed but largely favourable reactions, with 56% of participants believing in their potential to boost food security and climate resilience. Acceptance was higher in countries with looser regulations, such as the U.S. and China, compared to more tightly regulated regions like the European Union.
Cultivated meat: Divided opinions: Cultivated meat sparked more debate, with 39% viewing it positively and 19% expressing skepticism due to concerns about taste and safety. Interest varied across regions, with Nigeria and Mexico showing more enthusiasm than European countries or the U.S.
Why public knowledge matters
The study found a strong link between understanding and acceptance. For example, 82% of people who were informed about gene therapies supported their use, compared to much lower approval among those less familiar with the technology.
What this means for the future
The findings make it clear that public trust and understanding are essential for these innovations to thrive. Jamie Metzl, a futurist and author, highlighted the gap between rapid scientific progress and public understanding, emphasizing the need for clear, engaging communication.
By addressing concerns and fostering dialogue, scientists, governments, and innovators can ensure these breakthroughs not only advance but also gain the trust of the people they aim to benefit.
This survey underscores the extraordinary potential of innovation to transform lives while reminding us of the importance of bringing people along on the journey to a better, more sustainable future.
