2015: Public attitudes to science and technology

The results of the 204-2015 survey wave showed that the structure of public attitudes to science and technology is rather inhomogeneous. Technocratic views come together with unattractiveness of related occupations in science and engineering as well as with low scientific literacy (which does not contribute to informed decision-making). Only around a quarter of Russian population express wilingness to know the latest news about science and technology, while over 40% feel themselves informed about recent S&T developments. Interest to S&T (or its absence) is an outcome of lifestyle and social environment of the individuals. The public consider visiting science museums, thematic exhibitions and other popular science events as leisure activities rather than educational ones. 

There is no single model for public participation in science-policy dialogue. Three positions are equally present among the population in Russia: indifferent, passive (population opinion should be considered) and active (population should take an active role in decision making by participating in referendums, etc.). However, the share of Russians who have participated in public debates or have addressed local authorities on S&T issues is four times less than the share of those who expressed such active position.

 

Results of the 2014 survey allowed identification of the decline in public interest in science and technology. Still around 11% of respondents acknowledge science among other the priority growth areas. Such positive attitude to science and technology co-exists with the low level of public engagement in science and technology.