3M State of Science Index Global Report

Transcription

1 3M State of Science Index 2018 Global Report

2 Table of contents 3 Survey approach and methodology 7 Executive summary 12 Image of science 23 Understanding the impact of science 36 Expectations of science 47 Science trust index methodology 2

3 Survey approach and methodology

4 What it is and why 3M did this study What is the State of Science Index The State of Science Index is original, third-party research that explores global attitudes about science. We commissioned this surveyed across 14 countries to examine perceptions of science and its positive or negative impact on society. It also captures sentiment towards science, through measures of appreciation, popularity, interest level and trust vs. skepticism. Why 3M did this study Science matters. It matters to us, because it s science that fuels 3M s Vision: technology improving every company, products enhancing every home and innovation improving every life. But what does the world think of science? Is it recognized and appreciated? Do people see, feel and appreciate its impact? Or are they largely unaware of it, unconscious and indifferent to its presence around them? Are they trusting or skeptical of science and scientists? Do they even care? We couldn t find the answers, so we conducted our own research to get them. The result is the 3M State of Science Index. Discover what we found out about the image of science, along with revelations and insights from people all over the world. If the world is indifferent to science, what are the consequences? Do apathy and skepticism undermine importance and respect for science and the role it plays in society? And could that ultimately impact science as a priority along with future scientific endeavors, funding and research? This document is the global report form of the 3M State of Science Index, for additional details please visit 4

5 Where we surveyed Developed Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, UK, US Emerging Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa *Based on the MSCI Market Classification 2018.: 5

6 Survey methodology Audience Countries Sample size Survey methodology & timing Margin of error Science was defined as***: Representative sample of national population adults (18+) in each country based on age, gender, region, race/ethnicity (where applicable)* Sub-set (345 globally) of key business decision influencers (KBDIs)** defined as between the age of 25-54, high income ($100,000+ US and equivalent globally), are at least partially responsible for the purchasing decisions for their company s products, services or solutions, and working in at least one of the following core industries: Transportation (e.g., airlines, trains, buses, etc.) or Cars/Auto parts Electrical equipment, repair & supplies (e.g., semi-conductors, tapes, connectors, cables, electrician, etc.) Healthcare Manufacturing (e.g., consumer or industrial production, machinery/heavy equipment, agriculture) Energy (renewable/non-renewable) Safety/Industrial hygiene (e.g., protective gear, helmets, masks, safety lighting) 14 countries Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, UK, US ~1,000 per country (14,036 globally) 15-minute survey, combination offline and online Fielding/interviewing completed Jun. 14-Aug. 26, 2017; data cleaning, quality control checking, weighting completed Aug. 26-Sept. 25, 2017; global and country specific analysis, content strategy development Sept.-early Nov At the 95% confidence level 14-country total: +/ percentage points Each individual country: +/ percentage points Science is the process of pursuing knowledge about the world and how things in the world work through logically gathering, observing, experimenting and applying truths on a particular subject *Additional weighting also done on education, income, urban vs. rural for certain countries to achieve better national representation **KBDIs can be analyzed on global level only, not country-specific as sample size is too small per country ***Science definition provided in two-thirds of the survey 6

7 Executive summary

8 State of science: global themes Through our survey findings, insights and stories, and making the data accessible to everyone, 3M wants to provoke a conversation about science how it is viewed and the role it plays in society and everyday life. Image of science Impact of science Expectations of science Around the world, people are fascinated with science, but a clear and powerful skepticism exists. People appreciate science from a distance, but it is taken for granted in everyday life. People have high hopes for what science can achieve, but there are barriers to overcome. 8

9 Theme 1 key findings: image of science On the surface, people around the world are fascinated by science. Almost 7x more likely to be fascinated (rather than bored) when they hear the word science (87% vs. 13%). When asked if they would rather have dinner and a conversation with sets of celebrity scientists or pop culture stars, 32% of people chose scientists exclusively and 40% chose a combination of the two. 84% wish they knew more about science in general. Rather get dinner with*: 40% 27% 32% *Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding Scientists only Pop culture stars only Combination They see the benefits science brings to society. 91% believe science drives innovation. 87% say the world is a better place today because of science. 9x more likely to hear the word science and feel hopeful rather than discouraged (90% vs. 10%). When you hear the word science, you feel Hopeful, 90% Fascinated, 87% Discouraged, 10% Bored, 13% Yet, there is a solid and passionate group skeptical of science. One in three (32%) are skeptical of science, and this group tends to drive negative and indifferent perceptions of science. Skepticism may be fueled by a lack of knowledge, as 24% of skeptics know nothing about versus a global average of 18%. 32% are science skeptics Skeptics are more likely to Be indifferent towards the future of science (26% vs.18% of non-skeptics ) Think science is boring (49% vs. 12% of non-skeptics) Believe if science didn t exist, everyday life wouldn t be that different (60% vs. 27% of non-skeptics) 9

10 Theme 2 key findings: understanding the impact of science Some people know nothing and are not interested in engaging in science. People are unaware of the impact of science in their everyday lives. Science is less fulfilling as an adult; best left up to the next generation. Very few (14%) around the world know a lot about science. Those who know nothing are less likely than the global average to want to know more about science (68% vs. 84% globally). One-quarter (27%) do not see the point of needing to understand science as adults. How much do you know about science overall? 14% 68% 18% Significantly more believe science is very important to society in general (63%) than it is to their everyday life (46%). Majority (66%) only think about the impact of science on their everyday lives a little or never. Nearly two out of five (38%) believe that if science didn t exist, their everyday lives wouldn t be that different. Science is very important to. (top box: very important only) Society Your community Your everyday life Your family's everyday A lot A little Nothing 43% life 48% 46% 63% Over half (56%) felt more excited about science as a kid than they do now. 54% do not regret pursuing a non-sciencerelated career choice. Few believe traditional science related to fields like engineering (17%), life science (13%), and physical science (8%) would lead to a satisfying career for themselves, compared to business (24%), IT (22%), and education (19%). One-third (36%) believe only geniuses can have a career in science. Yet, thinking about the next generation 82% would encourage kids to pursue a career in science 92% of parents want their kids to know more about science 10

11 Theme 3 key findings: expectations of science There are high expectations for what science can achieve in the future. 66% feel excited when thinking about the future impact of science on society, over indifferent (20%) or afraid (14%). 62% believe the best days of science are still to come. Half or more think science will cure cancer (67%) and lead to robots in every workplace (64%) and home (55%) and flying cars (51%) in their lifetime. When thinking about the future impact of science, I feel 66% are excited 20% are indifferent 14% are afraid But many do not realize the extent of science s reach. Three out four believe science can help solve global challenges around disease treatment (75%), access to affordable renewable energy (75%), energy supply (74%), Internet access (73%) and clean water (73%). However, significantly fewer see science as solving hunger (45%), overcrowded cities (40%), poverty (35%), or unemployment (33%). Do you believe science can find solutions for the following global challenges? Top 5 Disease treatment Renewable energy access Energy supply Internet access Clean water Bottom 5 Hunger Aging population Overcrowded cities Poverty Unemployment And people are cognizant of the barriers to scientific advancements. 69% believe other countries are placing higher value on science than their own. For one-third (34%), the biggest barrier to scientific advancements in the future is inadequate funding. 42% believe their own country is falling behind when it comes to scientific advancements compared to other countries. 69% believe other countries place a higher value on science than their own. 42% believe their country is falling behind when it comes to scientific advancements compared to other countries. =10% of total surveyed n=14,036 11

12 Image of science

13 Unaided people see science as the study of understanding the world, nature and life Science is Q3: Please fill in what you think science is in no more than two to three sentences. Science is Base=Total (14,036 Note: English responses shown only. Roughly n=4,000 13

14 It is viewed as mainstream cool today When given the chance, people would rather sit down and have dinner and a conversation with a well known scientist over a pop culture icon. 32% chose scientists only 27% chose pop culture celebrities only 40% chose a combination of both Older generations are more likely to pick a scientist only: 35% of 51+ year-olds 31% of year-olds 30% of year-olds Asked of two different combinations of scientists and celebrities. % reflects those who selected scientist only for both questions vs. pop culture only for both questions vs. a scientist for one question and pop culture celebrity for the other. Celebrity and scientist combinations varied country-to-country. Q1: For each pairing below, who would you rather have dinner and a conversation with? Base=Total [14,036], 51+ n=5,221, n=4,056, n=4, =1%

15 People are fascinated by science and want to know more When I hear the word science, I feel. 87% 13% Fascinated 90% 10% Hopeful vs. vs. Bored Discouraged More than four out of five (84%) wish they knew more about science in general. Q4: For each pairing, please choose the word that best describes how you feel when you hear the word science. When I hear the word science, I feel ; Q9. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Base=Total [14,036] 15

16 However, a strong-minded group is skeptical and distrusting of science How much do you agree with the following statements? (completely or somewhat agree) 32% are skeptical of science. 57% say science causes just as many problems as solutions. 20% 19% 14% (even higher among skeptics (77% vs. 47% of non-skeptics) I distrust scientists I do not believe in scientific claims I distrust science Q12: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base=Total [14,036] 16

17 Trust toward science differs by country Science trust index* The index quantifies perceptions of trust and skepticism of science to understand how this differs across countries. The higher the country s score, the greater their trust toward science is, and the lower the score, the more skeptical and distrusting of science the country is. India 67.2 Saudi Arabia 61.4 Mexico 61.3 China 60.7 Brazil 60.3 US 57.3 Canada 55.5 Total = 56.1 UK 54.1 South Africa 53.3 Poland 53.0 France Germany Singapore 49.1 Japan 49.1 *The score was calculated by combining consumers responses on the following questions from the survey: (Q12) How much do you agree or disagree - I trust scientists; I trust science; I am skeptical of science; I believe in scientific claims 17

18 Skeptics have far more negative views Perceiving science as boring, inaccessible, and unimportant to both society and their everyday life. When asked if they agree with the following statements, skeptics and non-skeptics said: (completely or somewhat agree) Technological advancements are more important than 36% scientific ones 66% If science didn t exist, my everyday life would not be all that different 27% 60% If science didn t exist, society wouldn t be all that different 28% 59% Only geniuses can have a career in science 28% 54% Science is boring 12% 49% Non-Skeptics Skeptics As an adult, I don t see the point of now needing to understand science 17% 48% Percentage of respondents who selected somewhat agree or completely agree Q9: How much do you agree with the following statements? ; Q12: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? ; Q15: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Skeptics n=4,476; Non-Skeptics n=9,560 18

19 Skeptics question the impact of science more Skeptics are significantly more likely to believe that science has a negative or no impact on life today compared to non-skeptics. 30% In general, what kind of impact do you believe science has on each of the following today? (percent who said negative or no impact) 26% 30% 25% 28% 21% 17% 19% The planet Society in general My local community/town My everyday life Skeptics Non-Skeptics Q16: In general, what kind of impact do you believe science has on each of the following today? Skeptics n=4,476; Non-Skeptics n=9,560 19

20 Skeptics are less excited about the future of science Skeptics are more likely to feel Skeptics are 14 percentage points indifferent and afraid of science: less likely to feel excited about the Indifferent (26% vs. 18% future of science. non-skeptics) Afraid (18% vs. 12% nonskeptics) When asked if they felt excited, indifferent, or afraid about the future impact of science, skeptics and non-skeptics felt: Skeptics Non-Skeptics Compared to the global average, skeptics are: Less likely to feel excited (56% vs. 66% globally) More likely to feel indifferent (26% vs. 20%) More likely to feel afraid (18% vs. 14%) 26% 18% 56% 18% 12% 70% Excited Indifferent Afraid Q7: When you think about the future impact of science on society, do you feel? Please choose the feeling that most describes how you feel Skeptics n=4,476; Non-Skeptics n=9,560 20

21 Building knowledge about science s positive impact on everyday life may help sway skeptics Skeptics are more likely to report they know nothing about science (24% of skeptics versus 15% non-skeptics). How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? I care more about the impact science has on my everyday life than on society in general Interestingly, they care more about the impact of science on their everyday life over society in general (68%) compared to nonskeptics (50%). Global population Skeptics 9% 7% 25% 36% 47% 42% 21% 14% Closing this knowledge gap by show how science is relatable in one s everyday life may help decrease skepticism. Nonskeptics 9% 41% 40% 10% Completely disagree Somewhat disagree Somewhat agree Completely agree Q15: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? ; Q8: How much would you say you know about science overall? Select one. Base=Total [14,036] Skeptics, n=4,476; Non-Skeptics n=9,560 21

22 Who are the science skeptics, passives, and supporters? Nearly half are either skeptical or passive toward science 32% skeptics 20% passives Those who are skeptical of science are more likely to: Skew younger (39% are vs. global average of 34%). Be from the Asia & Pacific (37%) and Middle East & Africa (42%) regions. Know nothing about science than global average (24% vs. 18%). Have felt more excited about science as a kid than now (68% vs. 56% global average). Not see the point to understanding science as an adult (48% vs. 27% global average). Those who feel indifferent about the future impact of science, rather than excited or afraid, are more likely to: Skew older (43% are 51+ vs. 37% global average). Skew female (57% vs. 51% global average). Be from the Asia & Pacific region (24%). Feel bored (31% vs. 13% global average) and discouraged (21% vs. 10% global average) about science Know nothing about science (35%) compared to global average (18%). Not typically read or hear about science (35% vs. 15% global average). 46% everyday supporters Those who believe science is very important to their everyday life are more likely to: Skew younger (38% are vs. 34% global average). Skew male (53% vs. 49% global average). Be from South America (66%). Feel excited about the future of science (77% vs. 66% global average). Know a lot about science (21%) compared to global average (14%). Wish they knew more about science (91% vs. 84% global average). Skeptics are defined as those who answered they completely or somewhat agree with Passives are defined as those who answered they feel indifferent when they think about the future the statement: "I am skeptical of science" n=4,476 (32% of population) impact of science on society over hopeful, n=2,836 (20% of population) These audiences are not mutually exclusive; 2% of the population do not fall into any of these categories Everyday supporters are defined as those who answered very important to the statement: "Thinking about the present-day, how important do you feel science is to you in your everyday life" n=6,481 (46% of population) 22

23 Understanding the impact of science

24 People believe science is important to the world around them However, it is seen as more important on the macro, societal level than day-to-day. Views of science s importance are often restricted to big, global issues rather than small, day-today innovations. 63% view science as very important to society, while just 46% say the same for their everyday lives. To society in general To your local community/town Thinking about the present-day, how important do you feel science is 4% 4% 6% 7% 30% 39% 63% 48% 92% important total 87% important total To your family in their everyday lives 6% 9% 43% 43% 86% important total To you in your everyday life 5% 7% 41% 46% 88% important total No opinion/don't care Not important Somewhat important Very important Q11:Thinking about the present-day, how important do you feel science is Base=Total [14,036] *Due to rounding, some number may not add up to

25 Many do not fully view science s impact today as positive Most view science s impact today as somewhat positive over completely positive. In general, what kind of impact do you believe science has had on each of the following today? People are more likely to believe that science has no impact on their local communities (21%) and everyday lives (18%) than on society (13%) or the planet (11%). They are more likely to think science has a completely positive impact on the planet, especially when compared to their local communities (27% vs. 19%). 27% 49% 57% 54% 56% 24% 19% 21% 22% 18% 11% 10% 13% 2% 5% 1% 4% 1% 3% 1% Completely positive Somewhat positive No impact Somewhat negative Completely negative Planet Society Community/town Everyday life Q16: In general, what kind of impact do you believe science has on each of the following today? Base=Total [14,036] 25

26 Science is taken for granted in one s everyday life Two-thirds (66%) of people think about science s impact on their everyday lives a little or never. Women are significantly less likely than men to think about the impact of science in their lives (71% of females think about science a little or never versus 63% of males). 64% Think science will have a small impact to no impact on their industry* How much do you think about the impact of science in your everyday life? Never A little A lot 12% 38% Agree that if science didn t exist, their everyday life wouldn t be that different 34% 38% Agree that society wouldn t be that different if science didn t exist 54% Q14: How much do you think about the impact of science in your everyday life? Select one. Q15. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? - If science didn t exist, society wouldn t be all that different. Base=Total [14,036] Q29. Thinking about the industry or field you work in specifically, how much of an impact, if any, do you believe science will have in the future of your industry/field? *Among those who are employed n=7,730 26

27 Overall knowledge of science today is limited 86% Know little to nothing about science Women are more likely than men to know nothing about science (21% vs. 15%). Only 68% of people who know nothing about science want to know more, versus 89% of people who already know a lot. 14% Know a lot about science 20% of year olds know a lot about science compared to 9% of those 51 or older. Q8: How much would you say you know about science overall? Select one; Q9: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?; Q15: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Base=Total [14,036] Women n=7,153 Men n=6,883; Know Nothing n=2,528 Know A Little n=9,540 Know A Lot n=1,968; n=4, n=5,221 27

28 Confusion on the relationship between science & tech exists Nearly half (46%) view technological advancements as more important than scientific ones. Which of the following statements best describes your view on science and technology? Without science there is no technology Science and technology are completely different things Science and technology are the exact same thing Without technology there is no science Not sure 9% 14% 13% 23% 42% Technologies are invented from scientific discoveries. Science involves technology, and technology involves science. They are different but necessary to each other. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge and principles to the improvement of human life. Q5. Which of the following statements best describes your view on science and technology?; Q6: Why do you feel [Q5 answer]? Please answer in no more than three sentences; Q15. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Base=Total [14,036] 28

29 Building knowledge is key to improving people s grasp on how important science is Self-reported knowledge of science by importance and impact: Percent who think science is important to everyday life Percent who think science has a positive impact on their everyday life today Percent who think science will have a positive impact on their everyday life in the future Percent who think the world is a better place today because of science 68% 58% 59% 77% 91% 81% 80% 88% 96% 92% 90% 92% Those Who Know Nothing Those Who Know A Little Those Who Know A Lot Q11: Thinking about the present-day, how important do you feel science is ; Q12. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? - The world is a better place today because of science; Q16: In general, what kind of impact do you believe science has on each of the following today? ; Q19: In the future, what kind of impact do you believe science will have on each of the following? Base=Total [14,036] 29

30 Science is deeply associated with healthcare; people are less aware of everything else science touches Please name what you think is the MOST IMPORTANT scientific discovery or claim in your lifetime... Q17. Please name what you think is the MOST IMPORTANT scientific discovery or claim in your lifetime. Base=Total [14,036] *English responses shown only. Roughly n=4,000 30

31 Some don t think there is a need to understand science as an adult More than onequarter (27%) don t see the point of needing to understand science as an adult. Half do not regret a non-science related career choice (54%). People with low income are more likely than average to not see the point of needing to understand science as adults (36%). Men (50%) are more likely than women (43%) to regret not pursuing a science-related career. Q9: How much do you agree with the following statements? Base=Total [14,036] Men n=6,883, Women n=7,153, Low income n=5,231 31

32 Excitement for science is stronger in kids than adults; notable portion say only geniuses can have a science career People in emerging countries (62%) are more likely than those in developed countries (49%) to have felt more excited about science as a kid than they do now. How much do you agree with the following statements? (completely or somewhat agree) 56% The genius stereotype is also higher in emerging economies (44%) over developed ones (29%). 36% I felt more excited about science when I was a kid than I do now Only geniuses can have a career in science Q9: How much do you agree with the following statements? Base=Total [14,036] Emerging n=7,019 Developing n=7,017 32

33 Perceptions that traditional science careers aren t satisfying Among those who know a lot about science, engineering (23%) and medicine (19%) are more likely to be viewed as satisfying careers (compared to 17% of global average each). Men are significantly more likely to be interested in engineering than women (25% vs. 9%). Women are more likely to be interested in medicine (20% vs. 14%) and life science (15% vs. 10%). If you had the option to start a career in any field of study today, which of the following do you think would be most likely to lead to a satisfying career for you? Business Information Technology (IT)/Computer science Education/Teaching Engineering Medicine Art/Design Legal/Law Life science (e.g., biology, zoology, etc.) Communications/Marketing Music History Physical science (e.g., chemistry, physics, astronomy) Mathematics/Statistics Other 6% 6% 8% 12% 11% 14% 13% 13% 17% 17% 17% 19% 22% 24% Q2: If you had the option to start a career in any field of study today, which TWO of the following do you think would be most likely to lead to a satisfying career for you? Select top two. Base=Total [14,036] Men n=6,883 Women n=7,153 Know A Lot about science n=1,968 33

34 Pressure is on the next generation to push science forward 92% of parents want their kids to know more about science Increases to 98% among those who think science is very important Increases to 97% among those who view the future impact of science positively Increases to 96% in North America (both US and Canada) 82% would encourage kids to pursue a career in science Increases to 92% among those who think science is very important Increases to 89% of those with positive views of the future impact of science Increases to 89% among those who are considered key business decision makers in 3M fields Increases to 89% in US, China, and South Africa Q9. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Base=Total [14,036] and Base=Parents only (n=4,774) Very important: Q11. Thinking about the present-day, how important do you feel science is [Very Important for all four], n=4,149 Future impact positive: Q19. In the future, what kind of impact do you believe science will have on each of the following? [Positive (net) all four], n=8,870; KBDI n=345; United States n=1,007, Canada n=1,002, China n=1,009, South Africa n=1,006 34

35 To get the next generation interested, they must understand science s impact on the world What would be the most effective in convincing students today to pursue a career in science? If Students understood how science provides the opportunity to improve the world 33% Students had a better understanding of the different career opportunities in science 31% There were more mentorship/work opportunities for students with people who work in science Schools had better science equipment/laboratories Science was more relatable to students everyday lives Science teachers were more engaging 22% 29% 27% 26% Emerging countries prioritize improving schools science equipment and laboratories (33% vs. 21% developed). Students understood how they could make a lot of money through science 16% Q13: Which TWO, if any, of the following do you think would be most effective in convincing students today to pursue a career in science? Please select top two. IF Base=Total (n=14,036); Emerging n=7,019, Developed n=7,017 35

36 Expectations of science

37 Despite taking science for granted in everyday life today, people are optimistic for the future People are three times more likely to be excited about the impact of science in the future than indifferent or afraid. Fear is highest in South America (19%) while indifference is highest in the Asia & Pacific region (24%). Men (70%) are more likely to feel excited than women (62%), as are parents (72%) over nonparents (63%). When thinking about the future impact of science 66% are excited 20% are indifferent 14% are afraid Q7. When you think about the future impact of science on society, do you feel? Please choose the feeling that most describes how you feel. Base=Total [14,036]; Asia & Pacific region n=4,006; South America n=2,008; Men n=6,883, Women n=7,153; Parents n=4,774, Non-parents n=9,262 37

38 Majority believe that the best days of science are ahead The expectation that the best days of science are still to come is even higher in developed countries (68%) than in emerging (56%). Emerging countries are more likely to think the best days of science are now (30%) than developed countries (17%). Science skeptics are more likely than non-skeptics to believe that the best days of science are in the past (20% vs. 12% nonskeptics). 14% The best days of science are in the past 91% believe science drives innovation 24% The best days of science are now 42% believe without science, there is no technology 62% The best days of science are still to come Q20. The following question asks about the best days of science, meaning the time period where science achieved, is achieving, or will achieve the greatest discoveries and advancements. With this in mind, which of the following statements do you agree with the most? Select one.; Q12. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? - Science drives innovation; Q5. Which of the following statements best describes your view on science and technology? Base=Total [14,036] Emerging n=7,019, Developed n=7,017; Skeptics n=4,476, Non-skeptics n=9,560 38

39 Most have high expectations for what science can achieve in the future Expectations increase in emerging countries. Almost all achievements scored percentage points higher in emerging than in developed countries, with the exception of robots in the workplace and home. 67% Do you think science will achieve each of the following in your lifetime? 64% 55% 51% Men have higher expectations than women. 57% of men believe science will achieve flying cars in their lifetimes, versus 45% of women. 41% 35% 33% 28% 26% Cure cancer Robots in every workplace Robots in every home Flying cars Undersea living Inhabiting Mars Controlling the weather Telepathy Teleportation Q22. In the future, what kind of impact do you believe science will have on each of the following? Base=Total [14,036]; Emerging n=7,019, Developed n=7,017; Men n=6,883, Women n=7,153 39

40 Expectations highest among younger adults, but majority of adults 51 or older believe scientists will cure cancer in their lifetime Do you think science will achieve each of the following in your lifetime? 72% 69% 60% 69% 66% 58% 62% 59% 46% year olds year olds 51+ year olds 58% 54% 48% 45% 42% 43% 37% 37% 33% 35% 33% 32% 29% 27% 25% 27% 23% 20% Cure cancer Robots in every workplace Robots in every home Flying cars Undersea living Inhabiting Mars Controlling the weather Telepathy Teleportation Q22. Do you think science will achieve each of the following in your lifetime? n=4, n=4, n=5,221 40

41 About three in four believe science can solve global challenges related to healthcare, energy, internet access and clean water But they are not fully grasping the extent of science s reach. Healthcare and energy are the areas for which people most believe science can find solutions, while social issues like overcrowding earn less confidence. People tend to have more confidence in science s ability to solve macro issues (e.g. disease treatment, energy supply) over everyday issues (e.g. unemployment, workplace safety, road/driving safety, traffic congestion, online data breaches). Do you believe science can find solutions for the following global challenges? ( Yes responses) Disease treatment Access to affordable renewable energy Energy supply Internet access Clean water supply and sanitation Disease prevention Workplace safety Road/driving safety Pollution Healthcare costs Traffic congestion Online data breaches Border security Climate change Hunger Aging population Overcrowding in cities Poverty Unemployment 75% 75% 74% 73% 73% 70% 61% 61% 60% 52% 52% 52% 46% 46% 45% 41% 40% 35% 33% Q23: Below is a list of global challenges the world faces today. Do you believe science can find solutions for the following global challenges? (Yes Only) Base=Total [14,036] 41

42 Healthcare and energy also top the list when asked what industries science will most impact in the next five years People around the world believe that traditional STEM industries healthcare (25%), energy (24%), and aerospace and defense (22%) will be most impacted by science in the next five years. However, few believe industries like transportation, safety/industrial hygiene and manufacturing will be impacted by science. Which of the following industries do you think will be most impacted by science in the next five years? Healthcare Energy Aerospace & defense Cars/Auto parts Consumer electronics IT Chemicals/Metals Food & beverage Telecommunications Electrical equipment, repair & supplies Construction/home building Manufacturing Transportation Safety/industrial hygiene No industry / field impacted 3% 7% 7% 7% 6% 6% 7% 10% 10% 19% 18% 20% 22% 25% 24% Q27. Which, if any, of the following industries do you think will be most impacted by science in the next five years? Please select top two. Base=Total [14,036] 42

43 But it isn t all positive When asked about science s future impact, around two-thirds (63%) of people are optimistic, but more people see this future impact as somewhat positive over completely positive. Emerging economies are much more likely than developed ones to believe science will have a completely positive impact on all aspects of life in the future: Planet - 36% emerging vs. 21% developed Society - 35% vs. 16% Everyday lives - 34% vs. 15% Local communities - 32% vs. 13% People are more likely to think science will have no impact on micro aspects (community and everyday life) compared to macro aspects (planet and society). 28% 49% In the future, what kind of impact do you believe science will have on each of the following? 54% 53% 53% 26% 25% 22% 19% 17% 12% 13% 8% 6% 2% 4% 4% 1% 1% 1% Planet Society Community/town Everyday life Completely positive Somewhat positive No impact Somewhat negative Completely negative Q19. In the future, what kind of impact do you believe science will have on each of the following? Base=Total [14,036]; Emerging n=7,019, Developed n=7,017 43

44 People doubt how science will impact the future of the industry they work in Almost two in three (64%) believe science will have only a small or no impact on the future of their industry. Nearly one in five believe the industry they work in will not be impacted by science in the future (17%). How much of an impact do you believe science will have in the future of your industry/field? (asked only to those employed) A significant impact A small impact No impact 17% This lack of perceived impact increases with: Age (25% of people 51+ say it will have no impact on the future of their industry) Lower income (26%) Living in rural areas (29%) 47% 36% Q29. Thinking about the industry or field you work in specifically, how much of an impact, if any, do you believe science will have in the future of your industry/field? Base=Employed (7,730); 51+ n=5,221, Low income n=5,231, Rural n=3,471 44

45 Many believe their own country is falling behind others when it comes to scientific advancement Seven in ten people (69%) believe other countries place a higher value on science than their own. Top countries that see themselves as falling behind Mexico 80% Brazil 74% Four in ten (42%) believe their country is falling behind when it comes to scientific advancements compared to other countries. South Africa 61% Q12: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?; Q21. Do you think your country is leading or falling behind when it comes to scientific advancements compared to other countries? Select one. Base=Total [14,036], Mexico n=1,003, Brazil n=1,005, South Africa n=1,006 =10% 45

46 Globally, inadequate funding for research is seen as the #1 barrier to new discoveries The most common perceived barrier to scientific advancement is inadequate funding, lower in China (16%) and India (18%). Both are more concerned about inadequate education (28% China, 21% India). France (46%), Poland (45%), and Germany (42%) are most likely to feel the barrier of inadequate funding. South Africa is more likely to believe it is that fewer students want to pursue science careers (20%), on par with Singapore (18%), Saudi Arabia (17%), and China (16%). Saudi Arabia is most likely to feel it is a lack of interest in science (22%), similar to Mexico (21%) and South Africa (20%). In general, which, if any, of the following do you think is the biggest barrier to scientific advancements in the future? Inadequate investment/funding toward scientific research Inadequate training/education for the next generation of scientists Lack of interest in science Fewer students wanting to pursue careers in science Lack of trust in scientific claims There are no barriers to scientific advancements in the future 10% 13% 11% 14% 17% 34% One respondent notes on the impact of science on their industry: With anything new, there is the fear and the reluctance of change. So my concern is there will be new advancements that will not be implemented. Q28. In general, which, if any, of the following do you think is the biggest barrier to scientific advancements in the future? Select one. Base=Total [14,036] ; China n=1,001, India n=1,000, France n=1,000, Poland n=1,000, Germany n=1,001, South Africa n=1,006, Saudi Arabia n=1,004 46