3M State of Science Index - 2018 Global Report
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3M State of Science Index 2018 Global Report
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 2
Survey approach and methodology
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 2018. State of Science Index, for additional details please visit
www.3M.com/scienceindex
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 4
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.: https://www.msci.com/market-classification
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 5
Survey methodology
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:
Audience • 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
Countries Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, UK, US
Sample size ~1,000 per country (14,036 globally)
Survey methodology & 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.
timing 25, 2017; global and country specific analysis, content strategy development Sept.-early Nov. 2017
At the 95% confidence level
Margin of error • 14-country total: +/- 0.83 percentage points
• Each individual country: +/- 3.10 percentage points
Science was Science is the process of pursuing knowledge about the world and how things in the world work through logically
defined as***: 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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 6
Executive summary
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 Impact Expectations
of science of science of science
Around the world, People appreciate People have high hopes
people are fascinated science from a distance, for what science can
with science, but a clear but it is taken for achieve, but there are
and powerful skepticism granted in everyday life. barriers to overcome.
exists.
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 8Theme 1 key findings: image of science
On the surface, people around the world They see the benefits science brings Yet, there is a solid and passionate group
are fascinated by science. to society. skeptical of science.
• Almost 7x more likely to be fascinated (rather • 91% believe science drives innovation. • One in three (32%) are skeptical of science,
than bored) when they hear the word science • 87% say the world is a better place today and this group tends to drive negative and
(87% vs. 13%). because of science. indifferent perceptions of science.
• When asked if they would rather have dinner • 9x more likely to hear the word science and • Skepticism may be fueled by a lack of
and a conversation with sets of celebrity feel hopeful rather than discouraged (90% knowledge, as 24% of skeptics know
scientists or pop culture stars, 32% of people vs. 10%). nothing about versus a global average of
chose scientists exclusively and 40% chose a 18%.
combination of the two.
• 84% wish they knew more about science in
general.
Rather get dinner with*: When you hear the word “science,” Skeptics are more likely to…
you feel…
Be indifferent towards the
32% Hopeful, 90% Discouraged, future of science
Scientists only 10% 32% are (26% vs.18% of non-skeptics )
40%
science
Pop culture Fascinated, 87% Bored, 13% skeptics Think science is boring
stars only (49% vs. 12% of non-skeptics)
Combination Believe if science didn’t
27% exist, everyday life wouldn’t
be that different
*Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding (60% vs. 27% of non-skeptics)
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 9Theme 2 key findings: understanding the impact of science
Some people know nothing and are not People are unaware of the impact of Science is less fulfilling as an adult; best
interested in engaging in science. science in their everyday lives. left up to the next generation.
• Very few (14%) around the world know “a lot” • Significantly more believe science is very • Over half (56%) felt more excited about
about science. important to society in general (63%) than it science as a kid than they do now.
• Those who know nothing are less likely than is to their everyday life (46%). • 54% do not regret pursuing a non-science-
the global average to want to know more • Majority (66%) only think about the impact related career choice.
about science (68% vs. 84% globally). of science on their everyday lives a little or • Few believe traditional science related to fields
• One-quarter (27%) do not see the point of never. like engineering (17%), life science (13%), and
needing to understand science as adults. • Nearly two out of five (38%) believe that if physical science (8%) would lead to a
science didn’t exist, their everyday lives satisfying career for themselves, compared to
wouldn’t be that different. business (24%), IT (22%), and education (19%).
• One-third (36%) believe only geniuses can
have a career in science.
How much do you know about science overall? Science is very important to…. Yet, thinking about the next generation…
(top box: very important only)
68% Society 63%
82% would 92% of
Your community 48% encourage parents want
14% 18% kids to their kids to
Your everyday life 46% pursue a know more
career in about
Your family's everyday
A lot A little Nothing 43% science science
life
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 10Theme 3 key findings: expectations of science
There are high expectations for what But many do not realize the extent of And people are cognizant of the
science can achieve in the future. science’s reach. barriers to scientific advancements.
• 66% feel excited when thinking about the • Three out four believe science can help • 69% believe other countries are placing
future impact of science on society, over solve global challenges around disease higher value on science than their own.
indifferent (20%) or afraid (14%). treatment (75%), access to affordable • For one-third (34%), the biggest barrier
• 62% believe the best days of science are still renewable energy (75%), energy supply to scientific advancements in the future is
to come. (74%), Internet access (73%) and clean inadequate funding.
• Half or more think science will cure cancer water (73%). • 42% believe their own country is falling
(67%) and lead to robots in every workplace • However, significantly fewer see science as behind when it comes to scientific
(64%) and home (55%) and flying cars (51%) in solving hunger (45%), overcrowded cities advancements compared to other
their lifetime. (40%), poverty (35%), or unemployment countries.
(33%).
When thinking about the future impact of Do you believe science can find solutions 69% believe other
science, I feel… for the following global challenges? countries place a higher
value on science than their
Top 5 Bottom 5 own.
20% are
indifferent Disease treatment Hunger
66% Renewable energy Aging population 42% believe their country
are excited access Overcrowded cities is falling behind when it
14% are Energy supply Poverty comes to scientific
afraid Internet access Unemployment advancements compared
Clean water to other countries.
=10% of total surveyed n=14,036
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 11Image of science
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 13It is viewed as mainstream cool today
• When given the chance, people
would rather sit down and have
dinner and a conversation with a
32% 27% 40%
well known scientist over a pop chose scientists chose pop culture chose a
culture icon.
only celebrities only combination of both
• Older generations are more likely
to pick a scientist only:
• 35% of 51+ year-olds
• 31% of 35-50 year-olds
• 30% of 18-34 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.
=1%
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, 35-50 n=4,056, 18-34 n=4,759
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 14People are fascinated by science and want to know more
When I hear the word “science,” I feel….
87% vs. 13% More than four
Fascinated Bored out of five (84%)
wish they knew
more about
science in
90% vs. 10% general.
Hopeful Discouraged
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]
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 15However, a strong-minded group is skeptical and
distrusting of science
How much do you agree with the following
statements?
(completely or somewhat agree)
57% say science 20%
19%
causes just as
32% are skeptical many problems as 14%
of science. solutions.
(even higher among
skeptics (77% vs. 47%
of non-skeptics)
I distrust scientists I do not believe in I distrust science
scientific claims
Q12: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base=Total [14,036]
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 16Trust toward science differs by country
Science trust index*
• The index quantifies perceptions of
trust and skepticism of science to
understand how this differs across India Saudi Arabia Mexico China US
Brazil Canada
countries.
67.2 61.4 61.3 60.7 60.3 57.3 55.5
• 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.
UK South Africa Poland France Germany Japan
Singapore
54.1 53.3 53.0 53.0 50.2 49.1 49.1
Total = 56.1
*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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 17Skeptics 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 27%
different 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%
12% Non-Skeptics
Science is boring 49% Skeptics
As an adult, I don’t see the point of now needing to 17%
understand science 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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 18Skeptics question the impact of science more
In general, what kind of impact do you believe science has on
• Skeptics are significantly more
likely to believe that science has a each of the following today?
negative or no impact on life today (percent who said negative or no impact)
compared to non-skeptics.
30% 30%
28%
26% 25%
21%
19%
17%
The planet Society in general My local My everyday life
community/town
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 19Skeptics are less excited about the future of science
When asked if they felt excited, indifferent, or afraid about the future
• Skeptics are more likely to feel
Skeptics are 14 percentage points impact of science, skeptics and non-skeptics felt:
indifferent and afraid of science:
less likely to feel excited about the
• Indifferent (26% vs. 18%
future of science.
non-skeptics) Skeptics Non-Skeptics
• Afraid (18% vs. 12% non-
skeptics)
• Compared to the global 18% 12%
average, skeptics are:
• Less likely to feel excited
(56% vs. 66% globally) 18%
• More likely to feel
indifferent (26% vs. 20%) 56%
• More likely to feel afraid 26%
(18% vs. 14%) 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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 20Building knowledge about science’s positive impact on
everyday life may help sway skeptics
How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?
• Skeptics are more likely to report I care more about the impact science has on my everyday life than on
they know nothing about science society in general
(24% of skeptics versus 15%
non-skeptics).
Global
9% 36% 42% 14%
• Interestingly, they care more population
about the impact of science on
their everyday life over society in
general (68%) compared to non-
skeptics (50%). Skeptics 7% 25% 47% 21%
• Closing this knowledge gap by
Non-
show how science is relatable in 9% 41% 40% 10%
skeptics
one’s everyday life may help
decrease skepticism.
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 21Who are the science skeptics, passives, and supporters?
Nearly half are either skeptical or passive toward science
Those who are skeptical of science are more likely to:
• Skew younger (39% are 18-34 vs. global average of 34%).
32% • Be from the Asia & Pacific (37%) and Middle East & Africa (42%) regions.
• Know nothing about science than global average (24% vs. 18%).
skeptics • 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).
20% • Skew female (57% vs. 51% global average).
• Be from the Asia & Pacific region (24%).
passives • 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).
Those who believe science is very important to their everyday life are more likely to:
46% • Skew younger (38% are 18-34 vs. 34% global average).
• Skew male (53% vs. 49% global average).
everyday • Be from South America (66%).
supporters • 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 Everyday supporters are defined as those who answered very important to the
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) statement: "Thinking about the present-day, how important do you feel science is to
These audiences are not mutually exclusive; 2% of the population do not fall into any of these categories you in your everyday life" n=6,481 (46% of population)
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 22Understanding the impact of science
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
Thinking about the present-day, how important do you feel
are often restricted to big, global
issues rather than small, day-to- science is…
day innovations. 92% important
To society in general 4%4% 30% 63% total
• 63% view science as very
important to society, while just
46% say the same for their To your local
6% 7% 39% 48%
87% important
everyday lives.
community/town total
To your family in their
6% 9% 43% 43% 86% important
everyday lives total
To you in your everyday
5% 7% 41% 46% 88% important
life 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 100
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 24Many do not fully view science’s impact today as positive
• Most view science’s impact today
as somewhat positive over In general, what kind of impact do you believe science has had on each of
completely positive. the following today?
• People are more likely to believe
that science has no impact on their 57% 56%
54%
local communities (21%) and Completely
49%
everyday lives (18%) than on positive
society (13%) or the planet (11%). Somewhat
positive
• They are more likely to think
science has a completely positive 27% No impact
impact on the planet, especially 24%
19% 21% 22%
when compared to their local 18% Somewhat
communities (27% vs. 19%). 13% negative
11% 10%
5% Completely
4% 3%
2% 1% 1% 1% 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]
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 25Science 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).
How much do you think about the impact of
science in your everyday life?
64% Think science will have a Never A little A lot
small impact to no impact
on their industry*
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 26Overall knowledge of science today is limited
Only 68% of people
Women are more who know nothing
likely than men to about science want to
86%
know nothing know more, versus
Know little to nothing
about science 89% of people who
about science
(21% vs. 15%). already know a lot.
14% Know a lot about science
20% of 18-34 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; 18-34 n=4,759 51+ n=5,221
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 27Confusion 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?
“Technologies are
invented from
Without science there is no
technology
42% scientific
discoveries.”
Science and technology are “Technology is the
23%
completely different things application of
Science and technology are the scientific
14% “Science involves knowledge and
exact same thing
technology, and principles to the
Without technology there is no technology improvement of
9%
science involves science. human life.”
They are different
Not sure 13% but necessary to
each other.”
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]
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 28Building 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
96%
91% 92% 90% 92%
88%
81% 80%
77%
68%
58% 59%
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]
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 29Science 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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 30Some don’t think there is a need to understand science as an
adult
More than one- • People with low income are more
quarter (27%) don’t Half do not regret a likely than average to not see the
see the point of non-science point of needing to understand
science as adults (36%).
needing to related career
understand science choice (54%). • Men (50%) are more likely than
women (43%) to regret not pursuing a
as an adult. 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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 31Excitement for science is stronger in kids than adults;
notable portion say only geniuses can have a science career
How much do you agree with the following statements?
• People in emerging countries (62%) (completely or somewhat agree)
are more likely than those in
developed countries (49%) to have
felt more excited about science as a 56%
kid than they do now.
36%
• The genius stereotype is also higher
in emerging economies (44%) over
developed ones (29%).
I felt more excited about science when I Only geniuses can have a career in
was a kid than I do now science
Q9: How much do you agree with the following statements? Base=Total [14,036] Emerging n=7,019 Developing n=7,017
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 32Perceptions that “traditional” science careers aren’t
satisfying
If you had the option to start a career in any field of study today,
• Among those who know a lot
about science, engineering (23%) which of the following do you think would be most likely to lead to
and medicine (19%) are more likely a satisfying career for you?
to be viewed as satisfying careers
(compared to 17% of global Business 24%
average each). Information Technology (IT)/Computer science 22%
Education/Teaching 19%
• Men are significantly more likely to
be interested in engineering than Engineering 17%
women (25% vs. 9%). Medicine 17%
Art/Design 17%
• Women are more likely to be Legal/Law 14%
interested in medicine (20% vs.
Life science (e.g., biology, zoology, etc.) 13%
14%) and life science (15% vs. 10%).
Communications/Marketing 13%
Music 12%
History 11%
Physical science (e.g., chemistry, physics, astronomy) 8%
Mathematics/Statistics 6%
Other 6%
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 33Pressure is on the next generation to push science forward
92% of parents want their kids to know more about science
Increases to 98% among Increases to 97% among Increases to 96% in North
those who think science is those who view the future America (both US and
very important impact of science positively Canada)
82% would encourage kids to pursue a career in science
Increases to 89% among
Increases to 92% among Increases to 89% of those Increases to 89% in
those who are considered
those who think science is with positive views of the US, China, and South
key business decision
very important future impact of science Africa
makers in 3M fields
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 34To 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
33%
opportunity to improve the world
Students had a better understanding of the
31%
different career opportunities in science
There were more mentorship/work opportunities Emerging
29%
for students with people who work in science
countries prioritize
Schools had better science improving schools’
27%
equipment/laboratories science equipment
Science was more relatable to students’ everyday and laboratories
26% (33% vs. 21%
lives
developed).
Science teachers were more engaging 22%
Students understood how they could make a lot of
16%
money through science
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 35Expectations of science
Despite taking science for granted in everyday life today,
people are optimistic for the future
When thinking about the future impact of science…
• 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
20%
highest in the Asia & Pacific are indifferent
region (24%).
66%
• Men (70%) are more likely to feel
excited than women (62%), as
are parents (72%) over non-
parents (63%). are excited 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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 37Majority 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
14%
“The best days of
24%
“The best days
62%
“The best days of
developed countries (17%).
science are in the of science are science are still to
past” now” come”
• Science skeptics are more likely
than non-skeptics to believe that
the best days of science are in
the past (20% vs. 12% non-
skeptics). 91% believe science drives 42% believe without science,
innovation there is no technology
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 38Most have high expectations for what science can achieve
in the future
• Expectations increase in emerging Do you think science will achieve each of the following in your lifetime?
countries. Almost all achievements
scored 10-20 percentage points
higher in emerging than in 67%
developed countries, with the 64%
exception of robots in the 55%
workplace and home. 51%
• Men have higher expectations 41%
than women. 35% 33%
• 57% of men believe science will 28% 26%
achieve flying cars in their
lifetimes, versus 45% of women.
Cure cancer Robots in Robots in Flying cars Undersea Inhabiting Controlling Telepathy Teleportation
every every home living Mars the weather
workplace
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 39Expectations 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% 18-34 year olds 35-50 year olds 51+ year olds
69% 69%
66%
62%
60% 59% 58%
58%
54%
48%
46% 45%
42% 43%
37% 37%
33% 35% 33% 32%
29% 27%
25% 27%
23%
20%
Cure cancer Robots in every Robots in every Flying cars Undersea living Inhabiting Mars Controlling the Telepathy Teleportation
workplace home weather
Q22. Do you think science will achieve each of the following in your lifetime? 18-34 n=4,759 35-50 n=4,056 51+ n=5,221
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 40About 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 Do you believe science can find solutions for the
areas for which people most following global challenges? (“Yes” responses)
believe science can find Disease treatment 75%
solutions, while social issues like Access to affordable renewable energy 75%
overcrowding earn less Energy supply 74%
confidence. Internet access 73%
Clean water supply and sanitation 73%
• People tend to have more Disease prevention 70%
confidence in science’s ability to Workplace safety 61%
solve macro issues (e.g. disease Road/driving safety 61%
treatment, energy supply) over Pollution 60%
Healthcare costs 52%
everyday issues (e.g.
Traffic congestion 52%
unemployment, workplace Online data breaches 52%
safety, road/driving safety, Border security 46%
traffic congestion, online data Climate change 46%
breaches). Hunger 45%
Aging population 41%
Overcrowding in cities 40%
Poverty 35%
Unemployment 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]
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 41Healthcare and energy also top the list when asked what
industries science will most impact in the next five years
• People around the world believe Which of the following industries do you think will be most impacted by
that traditional STEM industries— science in the next five years?
healthcare (25%), energy (24%),
and aerospace and defense Healthcare 25%
(22%)—will be most impacted by Energy 24%
science in the next five years. Aerospace & defense 22%
Cars/Auto parts 20%
• However, few believe industries
like transportation, safety/industrial Consumer electronics 19%
hygiene and manufacturing will be IT 18%
impacted by science. Chemicals/Metals 10%
Food & beverage 10%
Telecommunications 7%
Electrical equipment, repair & supplies 7%
Construction/home building 7%
Manufacturing 6%
Transportation 6%
Safety/industrial hygiene 3%
No industry / field impacted 7%
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]
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 42But it isn’t all positive…
• When asked about science’s future
In the future, what kind of impact do you believe science will
impact, around two-thirds (63%) of
people are optimistic, but more people have on each of the following?
see this future impact as somewhat
positive over completely positive.
54% 53% 53%
• Emerging economies are much more 49%
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% 28% 26% 25%
developed 22%
19% 17%
• Society - 35% vs. 16% 13%
12%
• Everyday lives - 34% vs. 15% 8% 6% 4% 4%
• Local communities - 32% vs. 13% 2% 1% 1% 1%
• People are more likely to think science
Planet Society Community/town Everyday life
will have no impact on micro aspects
(community and everyday life)
Completely positive Somewhat positive No impact
compared to macro aspects (planet and
Somewhat negative Completely negative
society).
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 43People doubt how science will impact the future of the
industry they work in
• Almost two in three (64%) believe
How much of an impact do you believe science will have in the future of
science will have only a small or no your industry/field?
impact on the future of their (asked only to those employed)
industry.
A significant impact A small impact No impact
• Nearly one in five believe the
industry they work in will not be
impacted by science in the future 17%
(17%).
36%
• 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%
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 44Many believe their own country is falling behind others when
it comes to scientific advancement
Seven in ten people (69%) believe other countries place Top countries that see themselves
a higher value on science than their own. as falling behind
Mexico 80%
Brazil 74%
Four in ten (42%) believe their country is falling behind South Africa 61%
when it comes to scientific advancements compared to
other countries.
=10%
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
© 3M 2018. All Rights Reserved. 45Globally, inadequate funding for research is seen as the
#1 barrier to new discoveries
• The most common perceived barrier In general, which, if any, of the following do you think is the biggest barrier to
to scientific advancement is scientific advancements in the future?
inadequate funding, lower in China
(16%) and India (18%). Both are more Inadequate investment/funding toward scientific
34%
concerned about inadequate research
education (28% China, 21% India). Inadequate training/education for the next
17%
generation of scientists
• France (46%), Poland (45%), and
Germany (42%) are most likely to feel Lack of interest in science 14%
the barrier of inadequate funding. Fewer students wanting to pursue careers in
13%
science
• South Africa is more likely to believe it
is that fewer students want to pursue Lack of trust in scientific claims 10%
science careers (20%), on par with There are no barriers to scientific advancements
Singapore (18%), Saudi Arabia (17%), 11%
in the future
and China (16%).
One respondent notes on the impact of science on their industry: “With anything
• Saudi Arabia is most likely to feel it is a
new, there is the fear and the reluctance of change. So my concern is there will be
lack of interest in science (22%),
new advancements that will not be implemented.”
similar to Mexico (21%) and South
Africa (20%).
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
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