According to the findings, 72 percent of respondents feel optimistic about the future of science and technology in general. Compared to views on economy and global affairs, with only 39 percent and 31 percent respectively showing optimism, confidence in science and technology is considerably higher.

Middle income nations tend to have the most optimism. For instance, 86 percent of respondents in China had a positive outlook, while 94 Percent in Nigeria expressed confidence in the future.

High income western countries, like the US (68 percent), Italy (66 percent), Germany (54 percent), and France (53 percent) showed less faith, reflecting a greater sense of scepticism regarding the potential impact of emerging innovations.

Health authorities’ trust levels

The report showed an erosion of trust in Western countries, with only 62 percent of respondents trusting health authorities to act in the public’s best interest. Compared to middle income countries, like China (73 percent) and Nigeria (86 percent), western nations like France (48 percent) and the US (56) had a significantly lower level of confidence and trust in their health authorities.

The study also found that people’s scepticism towards certain innovations is largely influenced by two main factors – a lack of trust and a lack of knowledge. Individuals who are more informed about an innovation tend to be more optimistic about it, according to the survey. Meanwhile, those who distrust health authorities are more likely to feel doubtful or pessimistic about scientific advancements, highlighting the important roles understanding and trust have in shaping society’s attitudes towards new technological breakthroughs.

When it comes to AI, the survey revealed an intriguing paradox. Although the US is a world leader in the development and approval of AI and machine learning technologies, particularly in medicine, only 50 percent of US respondents said they would be comfortable with their healthcare professionals implementing or using AI to help guide treatment.

The fact that the US already has 950 AI/ML-enabled medical devices approved by the FDA, in areas like radiology, underscores the gap between technological advancement and public trust.

AI in medtech – Genomic Techniques

In Europe, where NGTs (New Genomic Techniques) are heavily restricted by the European Union (EU), 47 percent of participants held a favourable opinion on NGTs, while 34 percent were neutral, and 12 percent maintained a negative outlook.

The survey concluded that there is widespread optimism for cell and gene therapies across all demographic groups. 70 percent of boomers and 78 percent of millennials were optimistic about these therapies, with 59 percent of global contributors agreeing that the effort and resources required to create cures for diseases are justified, regardless of financial limitations.

According to Dr. Juergen Eckhardt, EVP and head of Leaps by Bayer, solving global issues goes beyond just investing in new and transformative technologies. “We understand that addressing the world’s greatest challenges requires more than investing in transformative technologies – it demands building societal acceptance. The begins with actively listening to people’s hopes and concerns about breakthrough science.”

The research reveals mass optimism for the future of science and technology, but Dr. Moeckel says many remain neutral towards breakthrough innovations. However, according to Moeckel, “this neutrality is an opportunity: by building trust and closing knowledge gaps, we can inspire greater understanding of how these advancements improve lives and address global challenges.”

With leaders recently gathering at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Leaps by Bayer’s research highlights the increased need for knowledge and trust if society is to accept emerging technologies. Science and technology advancements aim to improve human health and wellbeing, but their success depends on widespread public confidence and understanding.