Over 13,000 respondents across five continents have participated in one of the most comprehensive surveys examining public attitudes toward breakthrough medical technologies, according to a joint announcement from Leaps by Bayer and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The study, conducted by Ipsos, provides critical insights into global perceptions of emerging technologies in healthcare and digital medicine.
The research reveals a striking disparity in optimism between regions. While 72% of global respondents express optimism about scientific and technological progress, this sentiment varies significantly between middle-income and high-income nations. Countries like Nigeria and China demonstrate remarkably high levels of optimism (94% and 86% respectively), while Western nations show more reserved attitudes, with France at 53% and Germany at 54%.
Trust in health authorities exhibits similar regional variations. The global average of 62% masks a significant East-West divide, with Nigeria showing 86% trust levels compared to France's 48%. This trust deficit in Western nations extends to attitudes toward artificial intelligence in healthcare. Despite the United States having 950 FDA-cleared AI/ML-enabled medical devices, only 50% of American respondents would welcome AI-supported treatment decisions.
Cell and gene therapies also featured prominently in the survey, with broad support across demographic groups. Millennials (78%) and Boomers (70%) both expressed optimism about these treatments, while 59% of global respondents agreed that developing disease cures is worthwhile even if initial access is limited.
Dr. Juergen Eckhardt, EVP and head of Leaps by Bayer, emphasized the broader implications of these findings: "We understand that addressing the world's greatest challenges requires more than investing in transformative technologies—it demands building societal acceptance. This begins with actively listening to people's hopes and concerns about breakthrough science."
The research identifies knowledge gaps as a key factor in technology acceptance. Dr. Friedrich Moeckel, Managing Director and Partner at BCG Geneva, noted, "Despite strong optimism about science and technology, many remain neutral toward breakthrough innovations. 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."
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