Study Reveals Growing Public Optimism for Scientific Breakthroughs Amid Increasing Concerns Over the Pace of Global Change
A new global report developed by Leaps by Bayer in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group and Ipsos UK sheds fresh light on how societies around the world perceive breakthrough scientific innovations—and why those perceptions often differ so widely. Drawing on qualitative interviews conducted across China, Germany, and the United States, the report provides a nuanced exploration of the emotional, cultural, and experiential factors that shape public attitudes toward emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, cell and gene therapies (CGT), new genomic techniques (NGTs) in agriculture, and cultivated meat.
Titled “How Society Feels About Breakthrough Science: Decoding the ‘Why’,” the study builds upon a large-scale 2025 quantitative survey spanning 13 countries and involving more than 13,000 participants. While the earlier research mapped general sentiment trends, this new report dives deeper into the motivations, concerns, and belief systems that influence how people respond to scientific progress. Together, the findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and innovators seeking to foster trust and accelerate the adoption of transformative technologies.
One of the central findings is that global optimism toward science and technology remains strong, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In these regions, respondents often view scientific advancement as a pathway to improved quality of life, economic development, and better healthcare outcomes. Innovations in health—especially those addressing serious diseases—are generally perceived more positively than advancements in food or agriculture. This contrast highlights a key divergence in priorities: while health challenges are seen as immediate and urgent, concerns such as climate change and food security may feel more distant in certain contexts.
The study also reveals notable differences between high-income and middle-income countries in how risks are perceived. Respondents in wealthier nations such as Germany and the United States tend to view serious diseases and overburdened healthcare systems as pressing threats. In contrast, issues like food scarcity and agricultural sustainability are often considered less urgent. Researchers suggest that this perception gap may be partly explained by the increasing distance between populations and food production systems in developed economies. For example, only about 1% of the workforce in countries like Germany and the U.S. is engaged in agriculture, reducing direct exposure to challenges faced by the sector.
Artificial intelligence in healthcare emerges as a particularly complex and polarizing topic. While global sentiment remains broadly positive—64% of respondents believe AI will have a beneficial impact on human health—the study uncovers significant regional and generational variations. Notably, AI receives the lowest levels of enthusiasm in regions where it is most advanced. Among Generation Z in the United States, only 42% express optimism about AI’s role in healthcare, compared to 72% of their counterparts outside the U.S.
This paradox reflects a deeper familiarity with AI technologies among U.S. respondents, especially younger individuals who have firsthand experience with both the benefits and limitations of these tools. Exposure to issues such as algorithmic inaccuracies, deepfakes, misinformation, and concerns about job displacement contributes to a more cautious outlook. Additionally, skepticism toward the institutions responsible for regulating AI further dampens confidence. In contrast, respondents in other regions may view AI more aspirationally, focusing on its potential rather than its current shortcomings.
Despite these concerns, the report emphasizes that acceptance of AI in healthcare is strongly influenced by how it is implemented. Across all regions, participants expressed a clear preference for AI systems that support and enhance human decision-making rather than replace it. The concept of “augmented care”—where clinicians use AI as a tool to improve diagnosis, efficiency, and patient outcomes—resonates far more positively than the idea of fully automated or “algorithmic” care. Trust increases when there is visible human accountability, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach in healthcare innovation.
Beyond specific technologies, the report underscores that public perception of scientific breakthroughs is driven less by technical understanding and more by underlying values and mindsets. People tend to evaluate innovations through the lens of deeply held beliefs about fairness, safety, and what is considered “natural.” The research identifies three broad mindsets—Optimists, Rationalists, and Skeptics—that shape how individuals interpret and respond to new developments.
Importantly, these mindsets are not fixed categories. Instead, they function as fluid emotional positions that individuals may shift between depending on the context and the technology in question. For instance, individuals who are generally skeptical of cell and gene therapies may reconsider their موقف when faced with a personal or family health crisis. In such scenarios, even those with reservations often express willingness to try innovative treatments if recommended by a trusted physician, highlighting the powerful role of personal relevance and trust in decision-making.
Trust itself emerges as a critical theme throughout the report. While 62% of global respondents indicate trust in health authorities to act in the public’s best interest, this confidence varies significantly by region. Trust levels are notably lower in high-income Western countries, with Germany at 52% and the United States at 56%, compared to much higher levels in countries like China, where trust reaches 73%. This disparity points to a broader “trust gap” that innovators must address when introducing new technologies.
An accompanying essay from The Aspen Institute for Science & Society reinforces the importance of transparency, consistency, and inclusive communication in building public trust. Clear and open dialogue about both the benefits and risks of emerging technologies—along with active participation from scientists in public conversations—can help bridge the gap between innovation and societal acceptance.
The timing of this research is particularly significant. As breakthroughs in AI, biotechnology, and agricultural science continue to accelerate, understanding public sentiment is no longer optional—it is essential. Technologies with the potential to transform healthcare, address climate challenges, and improve food systems will only achieve their full impact if they are broadly accepted and trusted by society.
By combining strategic insights from Boston Consulting Group, qualitative expertise from Ipsos UK, and the innovation-driven perspective of Leaps by Bayer, the report offers actionable guidance for industry leaders. It highlights the need to move beyond purely technical narratives and engage with the emotional and ethical dimensions of public perception.
Juergen Eckhardt, Executive Vice President and Head of Leaps by Bayer, emphasized this responsibility, noting that fostering trust is a fundamental part of advancing breakthrough innovation. According to Eckhardt, understanding how people think and feel about new technologies—and why they hold those views—is a crucial first step in creating the conditions for acceptance.
Ultimately, the report makes a compelling case that the future of innovation depends not only on scientific progress but also on societal alignment. By addressing concerns, building trust, and communicating transparently, innovators can help ensure that transformative technologies are not only developed—but also embraced.
About the breakthrough study
- The 2025 global quantitative survey, How Society Feels About Breakthrough Science, spanned more than 13,000 respondents across 13 countries (Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, and the USA).
- The 2026 global qualitative survey, How Society Feels About Breakthrough Science: Decoding the “Why”, is based on qualitative data and twenty-one interviews conducted across China, Germany, and the United States, 12 of them with Gen Z participants.
About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses.
At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2025, the Group employed around 88,000 people and had sales of 45.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.
About Leaps by Bayer
Leaps by Bayer aims to solve ten huge challenges or ‘Leaps’ through scientific breakthroughs. As the strategic investment unit of Bayer, Leaps has invested over $2.1 billion in more than 65 companies innovating emerging platforms and technologies in health and agriculture. www.leaps.bayer.com
About Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.
Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.
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