Public perception

The 2005 Eurobarometer survey [406 KB] shows a growing public support regarding biotechnology and life sciences applications with the exception of food linked with genetically modified organisms. Optimism about the contribution of biotechnology has increased between 1999 and 2005 after a period of decline between 1991 and 1999. This decline may have been caused by the difficulties in communicating - in a balanced way - the benefits and potential risks of genetically modified organisms.

75% of Europeans believe that biotechnology will improve their quality of life in the next 20 years. Trust in actors involved in biotechnology, such as universities, scientist and industry has also increased in Europe since 1999. In addition, the study indicates that a higher percentage of respondents would like regulations on biotechnology to be handled by the Europeans institutions rather than national governments. The survey shows a growing public knowledge about biotechnology and genetics since 2002, although still quite limited.

Currently there is strong support for medical biotechnologies, such as gene therapies and pharmacogenetics. Across Europe the number of biotechnology firms active in Health applications is clearly significant compared to the number of firms involved in other fields such as food and beverage processing or agriculture (OECD Biotechnology Statistics, 2009).

Europeans are also in favour of embryonic stem cell research on the condition that it is strongly regulated. However, they would like to be more informed on the risks and benefits of stem cell research. The use of genetic data for personal medical diagnosis and for gene banks for research into diseases is seen as acceptable for Europeans. Nevertheless, there is strong opposition against granting government agencies and commercial insurance companies access to genetic information about individuals.

Industrial biotechnology is extensively supported by Europeans. More than 70% of respondents are in favour of tax incentives to develop bio-fuels and bio-plastics. The use of biological processes to produce pharmaceuticals is also broadly accepted by Europeans.

There is resistance to biotechnology in agriculture with 58% of Europeans biotechnologies opposing GM food. However, a majority of respondents say they would be inclined to buy GM food if it was healthier, contained less pesticide residues, or was more environmentally friendly. There is significant disparity in the acceptance level between different Member States, a fact that should be noted.

Finally, the study points out that Europeans are more or less as positive as people in the US and Canada about the contribution of biotechnology, with the exception of GM food to which opposition remains strong over time (Europe Biotechnology Sectors: A Company and Industry Analysis, 2008). Respondents in Europe and Canada have similar opinions on average regarding GM food, whereas US respondents tend to think it is useful for society, morally acceptable and does not involve risks.

In conclusion, EU authorities, Member State authorities, companies, the research community, consumer organisations, and other stakeholders, will need to increase their efforts to provide balanced and science-based information to the public about biotechnology applications and encourage a societal debate on the issues involved.