Transcript Innovation, science and technology in the EU

Innovation, science
and technology in
the EU
Population Innovation
Readiness
EUROBAROMETER 236
August 2005
http://www.proinnoeurope.eu/admin/uploaded_documents/EB634ReportEnterprise
PopInnovationEN19102005.pdf
Attitudes towards innovation
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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°225
June 2005
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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%).
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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°224
June 2005
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.