A new survey details global optimism and concerns about emerging medical technologies

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At the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Leaps by Bayer and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) announced the launch of a global survey that sheds light on public sentiment toward emerging and transformative technologies including those poised to reshape the health care industry.

The survey, "How Society Feels About Breakthrough Science," one of the largest of its kind, collected responses from more than 13,000 individuals across 13 countries. It examined global perceptions of cell and gene therapies, artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, new genomic techniques (NGTs) in agriculture and cultivated meat. The results of the survey reveal broad optimism for scientific progress but highlight trust deficits and knowledge gaps, particularly in Western nations.

“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,” Juergen Eckhardt, MD, EVP and head of Leaps by Bayer, said in a news release.

Varying levels of optimism

Globally, 72% of respondents expressed optimism about science and technology, surpassing global confidence in economic or political systems. However, this optimism is unevenly distributed. Middle-income countries, including China (86%) and Nigeria (94%), were significantly more optimistic than high-income Western nations, including France (53%), Germany (54%) and the United States (68%).

In Japan, optimism was the lowest among surveyed nations, at 46%.

Skepticism in Western nations

The survey demonstrates a trust gap in high-income countries, which could hinder the adoption of medical advancements. Trust in health authorities to act in the public’s best interest was the lowest in France (48%) and the U.S. (56%), compared to middle-income countries, including China (73%) and Nigeria (86%).

This lack of trust is mirrored in attitudes toward AI in medicine. While AI-enabled tools are becoming increasingly common in U.S. health care, only 50% of Americans expressed comfort with their use in treatment decisions. The country has cleared 950 AI/machine learning (ML)-enabled medical devices through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), primarily in radiology, yet public skepticism persists.

Optimism for cell and gene therapies

Despite regional disparities, cell and gene therapies received high levels of support across demographics. Millennials (78%) and Baby Boomers (70%) expressed optimism about these treatments. Furthermore, 59% of respondents globally agreed that pursuing cures for diseases is worthwhile, even if only a few patients can initially afford them.

Bridging the knowledge gap

The study found a strong correlation between knowledge and acceptance of new technologies. Respondents who understood innovations like cell and gene therapies or AI in medicine were more optimistic about their potential. Conversely, those with limited knowledge of the technologies were more likely to view them with skepticism.

For physicians, who are often the first point of contact for patients, this demonstrates the importance of patient education in improving public perception. By engaging patients with clear, evidence-based information, physicians can address concerns, build trust and foster informed decision-making.

“Despite strong optimism about science and technology, many remain neutral toward breakthrough innovations,” said Friedrich Moeckel, MD, PhD, managing director and partner, BCG Geneva. “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.”