Europeans and biotechnologies in 2010 - Winds of change?

The European Commission has released their new report "Europeans and biotechnology in 2010 – Winds of change?" (pdf). This latest Eurobarometer survey on the Life Sciences and Biotechnology, which also specifically addresses nanotechnologies in the context of biotechnology, is based on representative samples from 32 European countries and conducted in February 2010. The report points to a new era in the relations between science and society. While entrenched views about GM food are still evident, the crisis of confidence in technology and regulation that characterised the 1990s – a result of BSE, contaminated blood and other perceived regulatory failures – is no longer the dominant perspective. 

In 2010 we see a greater focus on technologies themselves: are they safe? Are they useful? And are there 'technolite'alternatives with more acceptable ethical-moral implications? Europeans are also increasingly concerned about energy and sustainability. There is no rejection of the impetus towards innovation: Europeans are in favour of appropriate regulation to balance the market, and wish to be involved in decisions about new technologies when social values are at stake. 

Here is an overview...