Biotechnology often triggers strong reactions. For some, it is a promising enabler of a more sustainable future and a key tool to address climate challenges. For others, it raises questions about potential risks and long-term impacts. Across Europe, it remains a topic that requires careful consideration.
To better understand both expectations and concerns, we brought together a diverse group of citizens and farmers with different backgrounds, perspectives and opinions – both supporters and critics of biotechnology. Through a series of sessions exploring various biotechnology applications and use cases, we identified the main points of tension, the conditions needed for societal acceptance, and how biotechnology can contribute to a sustainable future in a responsible way.
The project generated many useful insights. It not only identified the key concerns, expectations and acceptance conditions surrounding biotechnology, but also translated these into concrete recommendations for research, innovation, policy and communication.
Equally valuable was the process itself. Throughout the project, we continuously refined and optimised our methodology, resulting in a strategic framework for stakeholder engagement. The framework can be applied across a wide range of complex and socially sensitive innovation processes and is supported by a practical toolbox containing guidance, facilitation tools and best practices for meaningful and productive stakeholder dialogue.
All project insights, together with the framework, practical guides and toolbox, are available on the B-Trust project website: https://btrustproject.eu/
