Innovation, science Innovation, science and technology in and technology in

the EUthe EU

Population Innovation Readiness

EUROBAROMETER 236August 2005

http://www.proinno-europe.eu/admin/uploaded_documents/http://www.proinno-europe.eu/admin/uploaded_documents/EB634ReportEnterprisePopInnovationEN19102005.pdf EB634ReportEnterprisePopInnovationEN19102005.pdf

Attitudes towards innovation 16% “antiinnovation” - opposed to innovative products

or services; females and those aged 55 or over, lower level of education, live alone; principal occupation is taking care of the home or retired.

33% “reluctant” - not yet ready to embrace innovative products or services; mostly female, aged 40 or older, tend to be non-active (although not students) or manual workers.

39% “attracted” - somewhat drawn towards innovative products or services; more often male, young, students or white collar workers, live in a large household.

11% “enthusiasts” - calling out for innovation; male, young, still studying or have a high level of education; managers and students are over-represented in this group.

Social values, science and technology

EUROBAROMETER N°225June 2005

A first view on the interaction between ethics and science shows a European society which appears to give priority to objectivity as far as science and technology decision making process is concerned: a majority favours a risks-benefits analysis (53%) over the moral and ethical issues (33%).

Such a view is also closely linked with a strong perception of the authority of scientists and experts: when asked with whom science and technology decision-makers should consult, two in three favour the advice of experts about the risks and benefits involved over the general public’s views (23%).

Yet, when directly confronted with specific technological and scientific applications, Europeans still prove to be highly influenced by moral considerations, proving that science is not completely value-free: while EU citizens seem somewhat prepared to accept cloning animals (35%: only if it is highly regulated and controlled and 22% only in exceptional circumstances) and cloning human stem cells from embryos (41%: only if it is highly regulated and controlled and 20% only in exceptional circumstances) for the sake of human health, the majority clearly draws the limit when it comes to cloning human beings (59% respond “never”).

Europeans, science and technology

EUROBAROMETER N°224June 2005

The gap between science and society still exists. Efforts must namely be made in order to bring science and technology closer to certain categories of people who are less exposed to the scientific field, and who therefore have a more sceptic perception of science and technology. These categories are more often women, older people and those with a lower level of education.

In spite of the existence of this gap and the lack of information there is however a very positive and optimistic perception of what science and technology can actually do for humanity in terms of medical research, the improvement of the quality of life, as well as the opportunities for future generations.

Although such strong confidence in science and technology subsists, a somewhat stereotyped vision seems nonetheless to exist, which bases itself on the classic image of “machine against man”. We can notice this especially where the economic and spiritual dimensions of individuals are concerned: the negative effect of technological developments on employment and the distress scientific and technological progress causes in the daily lives of individuals is reflected in the results of this survey.

This duality is also valid for the image Europeans have of scientists: on the one side, there is the recognition of the positive role scientists play in society, and also the wish to see policy-makers take more into consideration the expertise of these scientists. On the other hand, we can note a criticism towards scientist’s obscurity concerning the results of their achievements and the way they handle information towards the public.

Furthermore, a certain fear of scientists is expressed in two manners: in a more open way concerning scientist’s excessive power (due to their high knowledge), and in a more implicit way concerning the risks of scientific research going beyond the limits set by ethics and morality.

As a matter of fact, in the opinion of Europeans ethics must play a crucial role in scientific research. Citizens request a certain harmony between the methods as well as the goals of scientific research and the moral and ethical principals.

Even though citizens draw such a limit for the boundaries of scientific research, European citizens nevertheless want to allow scientists to work freely without letting the apprehensions of potential risks deriving from further research slow them down.

In this sense, it seems that Europeans would like to impose a balance between ethics and scientific progress, which will certainly demand much effort on behalf of the scientific community as well as the public authorities who are expected to impose the legal basis of such a control through ethics.

Europeans are also a clear majority wishing to see more women implicated in the field of science and further integrated into the scientific community, which should reflect more equal opportunities between genders.

Results also make clear that Europeans’ hopes for future scientific and technological development lie in the hands of the younger generations who should show more interest and participate more intensively in the field of science. It seems therefore that action must be taken by public authorities throughout Europe in order to make this possible.

Finally, the report also shows that Europeans have a rather critical perception of Europe compared to the United States when it comes to fields related to research: the deficiency in the education of scientists in Europe has probably lead Europe to take up a position behind the United States in scientific discoveries and technological advances.

However, in order to reduce this existing gap, two major projects must be undertaken. These imply ensuring a higher financial investment into scientific research, both at national and at the European Union level, and a more intensive collaboration in scientific research throughout Europe, in which the European Union will play a key role.