• The data reveal widespread optimism, as well as stark regional disparities and cultural obstacles in the West that must be addressed to increase public acceptance of breakthrough innovations.
• The survey included more than 13,000 people in 13 countries representing every continent except Antarctica
• The survey explored public perceptions of cell and gene therapies, artificial intelligence in medicine, new genomic technologies (NGTs) in agriculture, and cultured meat.

BERLIN–( BUSINESS WIRE )–As leaders gather at the World Economic Forum 2025 Annual Meeting in Davos, Leaps by Bayer (OTC:), the impact investing arm of Bayer, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) announced the launch of one of the largest surveys ever… Examines global public sentiment toward transformative technology. The field work was carried out by a market research company Ipsos (EPA:). The study brings together actionable insights for innovators and leaders who share the responsibility of engaging the public. The survey results reveal the hopes, fears and anxieties of people around the world, and reveal the challenges and opportunities for those working to develop new technologies for human health and nutrition.

Among the key findings:

• Optimism towards science is higher in certain areas: 72% of respondents are optimistic about the direction the world is headed in terms of science and technology, much more than other forces in society, such as economics (39%) or politics and world affairs (31%). Middle-income countries, for example

China (86%) and Nigeria (94%) are more optimistic about science than high-income countries in the West, such as France (53%), Germany (54%), Italy (66%) and the United States (68%). percent). Japan matches other high-income countries (46%).

• The West is suffering from a crisis of confidence: Overall, 62 percent of respondents trust that health authorities act in the public interest, with levels of trust significantly lower in the West (France 48 percent and the United States 56 percent) than in middle-income countries (for example, China 73 percent and Nigeria). by 86 percent).
• AI is least preferred in geographic areas where it is most advanced: US respondents were among the least likely to favor AI-supported treatment decisions, with only 50% saying they would be happy to have their doctor use AI in their medical treatment. This is important considering that the United States already has 950 AI- and machine-learning-enabled medical devices approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, especially in radiology.
• People largely support NGTs despite government restrictions: Most respondents (56 percent globally) feel positive about the use of new genomic technologies (NGTs) in agriculture, especially if these technologies are used to make crops more resilient to climate change. 47% of European respondents have a positive view of natural gas and 34% are neutral, while only 12% have a negative view. This openness is compelling, given that the use of NGT remains severely restricted in the EU.
• Doubt is fueled by a lack of knowledge and trust: The study found a clear relationship between how familiar participants are with a type of innovation and how optimistic they are about it. Likewise, the more they distrust health authorities, the less optimistic they are about scientific achievements.
• Widespread optimism about cell and gene therapies: Demographic groups, from Millennials (78%) to Baby Boomers (70%), are optimistic about cell and gene therapies, and 59% of global respondents agree that it is worth developing a cure for a disease even if only a few people can afford it. Its costs.

We know that tackling the world’s biggest challenges requires more than just investing in transformative technologies, it requires building societal acceptance. This starts with actively listening to people’s hopes and fears about scientific progress, said Dr. Jürgen Eckhardt, Executive Vice President and President of Leaps by Bayer. I am grateful to collaborate with BCG on the Breakthrough Study, and I am confident that it will equip innovators in our field to engage the community more meaningfully and effectively. Despite strong optimism about science and technology, many remain neutral about breakthrough innovations, says Dr. Friedrich Moeckel, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group in Geneva. This neutrality represents an opportunity: by building trust and bridging knowledge gaps, we can inspire greater understanding of how these advances can improve lives and address global challenges.

At a time when geopolitical shifts are taking the spotlight, society’s need for solutions to climate change, strained healthcare systems, and global nutrition remains as strong as ever. But emerging technologies alone are only part of the solution. Increasing knowledge and confidence is critical for public acceptance of emerging technologies that will improve human health and well-being.

Note:
Read the full report here:
leaps.bayer.com/breakthroughstudy.pdf

About Bayer
Bayer is a global organization with core competencies in the life sciences fields of healthcare and nutrition. In keeping with its mission, Health for All, Hunger for None, the company’s products and services are designed to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to overcome key challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and making a positive impact on its business. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its ability to generate profits and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand represents trust, reliability and quality around the world. In fiscal year 2023, the group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of €47.6 billion. R&D expenses before special items amounted to €5.8 billion. For more information, visit www.bayer.com.

About hops from Bayer
Leaps by Bayer aims to solve ten of the world’s biggest challenges through scientific breakthroughs. As Bayer’s impact investing unit, we have invested more than $2 billion in more than 65 companies pursuing breakthroughs in health and agriculture. Through these investments in emerging platforms and technologies, we aim to overcome ten major challenges or “leapfrogs.” www.leaps.bayer.com

About BCG
Boston Consulting Group partners with business and community leaders to address their greatest challenges and greatest opportunities. Boston Consulting Group was a pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach intended to benefit all stakeholders – enabling organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage and make a positive societal impact.

Our diverse global teams provide deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading management consulting, technology, design, corporate and digital projects. We work within a uniquely collaborative model across the company and at all levels of the client organization, driven by the purpose of helping our clients succeed and empowering them to make the world a better place.

Forward-looking statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and expectations made by Bayer’s management. Many known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause material differences between the actual future results, financial condition, development or performance of the Company and the estimates contained herein. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports available on Bayer’s website at www.bayer.com. The Company undertakes no obligation whatsoever to update or conform to these forward-looking statements them for future events or developments.

View source version on Businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250120806580/en/

Contact for media inquiries:
Kira Bikoff, Tel: +1 973 791 3348
Email: kira.peikoff@bayer.com

Source: Bayer