People
© Gerd Altmann 15 November, 2013

77% say S&T has a positive influence on society

A new Eurobarometer survey has shown that more than three quarters of EU citizens think that science and technology has a positive influence on society.

However, respondents also express concern over risks from new technologies, such as to human health and the environment. Those questioned say they want research and innovation to be carried out with due attention to ethical principles (76%), gender balance (84%), and public dialogue (55%).

Commenting on the results, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said: “The results of this survey show that Europeans support the role of science and technology in society, but at the same time expect scientists and politicians to ensure that their values and concerns are taken into account.

“The next EU research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020, is focused on achieving that balance. We now need to step up our efforts to enter into dialogue with society about science, and must get more young people interested in science and innovation careers.”

66% of respondents in the survey think that scientists working at universities or in government laboratories are best qualified to explain the impact of scientific and technological developments on society, and this group is also most likely to be seen (82%) as trying to behave responsibly towards society. Europeans also have a positive view of the effect of science education on young people and the majority of respondents (65%) think that their governments are not doing enough to stimulate young people’s interest in science.

This Eurobarometer survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews in the EU member states to evaluate European citizens’ attitudes towards science and innovation.