Worldwide Study Unveils Diverse Opinions on Groundbreaking Technological Advancements
Emerging technologies have the power to reshape our lives for the better. Cell and gene therapies could revolutionize medicine, while genomic techniques in agriculture may help crops become more resilient to changing climates. Artificial Intelligence (AI) could accelerate drug development and improve patient care, and cultivated meat could provide a sustainable, cruelty-free alternative to animal products.
However, as a life sciences investor, I understand that the acceptance of such groundbreaking innovations isn't solely dependent on their potential benefits. Gaining public trust and acceptance is just as vital. Recognizing this, Leaps by Bayer, in partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and market research firm Ipsos, conducted an extensive global survey to evaluate public attitudes towards four innovative technologies. The survey involved over 13,000 participants from 13 countries and six continents.
1. A Mixed Bag of Opinions on Genomic Techniques in Agriculture
The usage of genomic techniques in agriculture (NGTs) remains restricted in certain regions due to past public resistance, with the European Union still grappling with the repercussions of its 2001 GMO legislation. However, public opinions are progressing, with 47% of respondents in Germany, France, and Italy viewing NGTs favorably. Lower-middle income countries show the most optimism, with 72% of respondents regarding NGTs as a positive development.
Brandon McFadden, a professor at the University of Arkansas's Department of Agricultural Economics, believes that the better reception towards NGTs could be attributed to people's more acute concerns over food availability and cost in lower-middle income countries.
2. Worldwide Optimism for Cell and Gene Therapy
Cell and gene therapy has emerged as a promising field, and this optimism is reflected in the survey results. 74% of respondents globally express enthusiasm about the potential of cell and gene therapy to cure diseases in the coming years. This optimism is consistent across all age groups, from Gen Z to Boomers.
However, trust in public health authorities is declining in the West, with only 48% of French and 56% of American respondents expressing trust in their respective national health authorities. Penn Medicine professor Jeffrey Morris attributes this decline to the growing impact of political polarization and the changing consumption of news.
3. Mixed Feelings about AI in Medicine
While AI is seen as essential for improving disease diagnoses, enhancing mental health support, and speeding up drug discovery, its use in medical decision-making remains a source of concern for people. 77% of respondents express anxiety about AI replacing humans in key medical roles, while 74% are worried about potential medical errors or misdiagnoses.
Dr. Mhairi Morris, a researcher at Loughborough University, believes that public resistance to AI in medicine is inevitable in wealthier countries due to more extensive healthcare resources, which lead to more scrutiny of new technologies. To increase public trust, she advises increased transparency regarding the use of AI in healthcare, thorough information on the diversity of patient datasets, and evidence-based assurance that AI tools are evaluated by humans before influencing treatment decisions.
4. Cultivated Meat's Struggle for Acceptance
Despite its potential benefits for animal welfare and the environment, cultivated meat remains a controversial topic. Only 39% of respondents express a positive view of cultivated meat, making it the least favored technology among those surveyed. Sentiment is particularly negative in European countries and the U.S.
To address these concerns, academics advocate for public education about the nutritional and authenticity benefits of cultivated meat. In countries with increasing food costs, the appetite for alternative meat sources may be more welcoming.
In conclusion, as innovators in the life sciences, the survey results offer clear guidance. Education and transparency are key, as more knowledge fosters optimism and trust. It's time to forge ahead and create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Contributions from David Cox in research and reporting.
Enrichment Insights
- Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT):
- Optimism: 74% of global respondents are optimistic about CGT's disease-curing potential, with only 3% expressing pessimism[1].
- Concerns: 48% of respondents worldwide are worried about the potential side effects of CGT, with younger generations displaying higher levels of concern[1].
- AI in Medicine:
- Support for AI Use: 66% of respondents support AI usage to support medical treatment decisions, with stronger support in lower-middle and upper-middle income countries[1].
- Trust in AI: While support for AI usage is present, only 49% trust AI to handle their medical data[1].
- New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in Agriculture:
- Support: Globally, 56% of respondents support NGTs, with higher levels of support in lower-middle income countries (72%)[1][2].
- Concerns about Climate Change: Among people concerned about climate change, 60% view NGTs positively[1].
- Cultivated Meat:
- Mixed Perceptions: Only 39% of respondents express a positive view of cultivated meat, with stronger negative opinions in high-GDP countries like France, Germany, and the U.S.[1][2].
- Regional Variations: Intriguingly, respondents in African countries and parts of the Americas like Mexico are less reticent about trying cultured meat[1][2].
- Likelihood to Try: Only 26% of global respondents are likely to try cultivated meat if it becomes available[1][2].
- Gene Therapy and Gene Editing:The survey findings suggest that gene therapy and gene editing, like cell and gene therapy, have a promising outlook. 73% of global respondents express optimism about gene therapy's potential in treating genetic diseases, while 58% are interested in gene editing to improve crops and animals.
- The Role of '29430bc3a10941094e8adac0d5356d97' in Technology Acceptance:The survey results show that job displacement due to technological advancements, such as '29430bc3a10941094e8adac0d5356d97'-associated AI and automation, is a significant concern among respondents. 42% are worried about layoffs in industries due to technological advancements, underscoring the importance of addressing this concern in the acceptance and implementation of new technologies.
- The Future of Lab-grown Meat:Despite the overall mixed feelings about cultivated meat, respondents are more receptive towards lab-grown meat alternatives, such as plant-based alternatives. 48% of participants worldwide show interest in trying alternative meat sources, with the youngest generations and lower-income respondents showing the most interest.
