Biotechnology often sparks strong reactions. For some, it is a promising tool for addressing climate challenges and a more sustainable future. For others, it raises questions about potential risks and long-term impacts. Across the European Union, it remains a topic that requires careful consideration and balanced decision-making.
To better understand expectations and concerns, we brought together a diverse group of citizens and farmers with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and viewpoints, including both supporters and critics of biotechnology. Through a series of sessions exploring various biotechnology applications and use cases, we examined key points of contention, the conditions needed to build public support, and how biotechnology can contribute to the future in a responsible way.
The project generated a wealth of valuable insights. The process identified not only the key concerns, expectations, and acceptance conditions surrounding biotechnology but also revealed concrete approaches to address these through research, innovation, regulation, and communication.
Equally valuable, however, was the process itself. Throughout the project, we continuously refined and optimized our methodology, resulting in a strategic programme for stakeholder engagement. This programme can be applied across a wide range of complex and socially sensitive innovation projects and is supported by a practical toolbox containing tips, hands-on tools, and do’s and don’ts for creating meaningful and productive stakeholder dialogues.
