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Eurobarometer Qualitative Study
PUBLIC OPINION ON FUTURE
INNOVATIONS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
National Report
June 2015
Romania
This study has been requested by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and
Innovation and co-ordinated by Directorate-General for Communication.
Qualitative study – TNS Qual+
Project title
Eurobarometer Qualitative study - “Public opinion on future innovations, science and technology” - National Report Romania
Linguistic Version EN
Catalogue Number KI-02-15-347-EN-N
ISBN 978-92-79-48069-0
DOI 10.2777/700334
© European Union, 2015
Eurobarometer Qualitative study
Public opinion on future innovations, science and technology: results of focus
groups in selected Member States
National Report
Romania
Conducted by TNS Qual+ at the request of the European Commission,
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Survey co-ordinated by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication
(DG COMM “Strategy, Corporate Communication Actions and Eurobarometer” Unit)
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................. 2
A. OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY ...................................................... 5
Objectives ............................................................................................ 5
Methodology and sampling ..................................................................... 5
Participant profile .................................................................................. 5
National context .................................................................................... 5
I. GENERAL PERCEPTIONS ABOUT SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
INNOVATIONS .................................................................................... 6
1.1 General associations linked to the notion of scientific innovation .......... 6
1.2 The most important scientific and technological innovations observed
over recent years ..................................................................................... 8
II. SPONTANEOUS PROJECTIONS ON TOMORROWS SCIENTIFIC AND
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS ...................................................... 12
2.1 The scientific innovations expected to be part of peoples’ daily life in
2030 and their possible impact ................................................................ 12
2.2 Expected innovations in selected areas ........................................... 13
III. REACTIONS TO FUTURE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
INNOVATIONS IN SELECTED AREAS ................................................. 15
3.1 Homes and living ......................................................................... 15
3.2 Health and healthcare .................................................................. 19
3.3 Ubiquitous communication and interaction ...................................... 23
3.4 Environment ............................................................................... 26
IV. CONCLUSION .................................................................................... 29
Qualitative Study European
Commission
Qualitative Study European Commission
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
General perceptions about scientific and technological innovations
People often associated scientific innovation with specific examples of
technology that they already use and are familiar with: gadgets,
electronics and household appliances, phones, Internet, alarm systems,
computers, IT.
People also associated innovation with the wider concept of evolution and
development: future, progress, resourcefulness, vision, innovative spirit,
intelligence, idea, history, performance, discovery, exploration,
advancement, research.
The most important developments in the field of scientific and
technological innovations during recent years were felt to be:
IT
Smartphones, new gadgets, GPS systems, photo cameras, tablets and
advanced computers.
Health/medical treatment
Improved efficacy of medical tests, the invention of artificial blood,
recent discoveries in stem cell treatments, intensive efforts to treat
cancer, developments in surgery, microscopy and forensic medicine.
Education/knowledge
Laptops and advanced computers, smartphones and Internet.
Living conditions/housing
Advanced TV sets (LCD, LED, curved displays), household appliances
(smarter, more compact), PVC windows.
Transport
Electric cars, GPS navigation system, safety measures, electric
windows, air conditioning, sophisticated equipment, sensors,
automatic driving.
Work/jobs
IT making work easier and more efficient.
Environmental protection
Recycling.
Energy
Solar panels and wind energy.
Personal data (+ data security)
Bank cards, extensive use of ATMs and digitalisation of information,
viruses and fear of personal data being violated.
Spontaneous projections on tomorrow’s scientific and technological innovations
Flying cars will exist, helping people move faster and safer.
Cash will not exist any longer; shopping sessions will be done online.
Robots to take care of all household chores. Artificial intelligence will
Natural food will be difficult to find and people’s nutrition will be based on
pills and substitutes.
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
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Machines will be controlled by voice, electric cars will be driving
themselves automatically.
Pollution will be reduced because of alternative energy (hydrogen-based
fuels, solar, wind).
House of the future
People expected to be helped more and more by robots with household
chores (cleaning, cooking).
People will have more time to dedicate to personal life/ enjoying activities.
They will become less physically active, more dependent on machines. Health and healthcare
By 2030, cures for cancer, HIV and other incurable diseases will have been
discovered.
Surgery will be done with more precision by robots
Stem cells will be used on a large scale for the reconstruction of organs
and transplants. Communication
There will be a continued revolution in communication in ways impossible
to imagine
The interactions between man and machine will be closer than ever.
Social networks will keep growing, helping people to connect more easily
with each other.
Video conferences and holograms will be available everywhere.
People will be more stressed and more dependent on technology.
Environment
In 2030 people will use other means of transportation that are less
polluting (electric cars, flying).
All products will be bio-degradable.
The technologies used in manufacturing will be more eco-friendly.
Alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind will be used
extensively.
Reactions to future scientific and technological innovations in selected areas
Homes and living
All participants and especially women reacted positively to this scenario.
They seemed to be surprised and delighted with the robot that would help
them live more comfortably.
The scenario is credible and not overly surprising – they believed that
technology will evolve making robots part of family life.
Positive aspects: cleaning the house, resource efficiency, online shopping
and delivery of goods and the storage of all activities that happened at
home in their absence.
Negative aspects: all data is saved on the company’s server and their
privacy may be violated, relying on a robot to make decisions for them or
select the products to buy.
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
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Health and healthcare Reactions to this scenario were mixed. On the one hand they thought it
was useful and beneficial for people’s health, on the other hand some
feared the scenario gave too much control over their lives.
Positive aspects: quick interaction with the doctor (all), the home test with
rapid results (all) and the data analysed by researchers (younger targets).
Older participants did not trust the patch, while most of the younger ones
thought it could be a convenient solution to prevent illnesses.
Negative aspects: purchasing over-the-counter genetic tests (not
trustworthy), biochip controlling their health and accessing personal
information to be used by interest groups (older).
Communication (Ubiquitous communication and interaction) Reactions to this scenario were mostly negative, especially from people
with higher education. Although positive aspects were mentioned as well
(safety, ease of communication and fun, virtual interaction), the persistent
feeling of control dominated feedback towards this scenario.
Positive aspects: holographic communication (younger), traffic cameras
and GPS tracking to witness accidents and to identify criminals, supporting
the idea of safety, but also payment of insurance based on drivers’
historical behaviour.
Negative aspects: holographic communication (older), monitoring and
tracking of individuals in traffic/ groups (including facial recognition in
stores), stores’ suggestions or gifts recommendations on social networks.
Environment First reactions to this scenario were unanimously positive; all thought this
was an ideal scenario for the future.
Positive aspects: almost all of them, particularly living in suburbs,
renewable energy, recycling waste, finding innovative ways to eliminate
CO2 from the atmosphere, preserving water and the environment in
general.
Negative/ unclear aspects: A few did not trust constructions made from
waste. None of the participants understood the proposed changes in
agriculture. Opinions towards feeding micro-organisms with CO2 were
viewed suspiciously because participants could not predict how this would
affect life in the oceans. Trapping CO2 inside the Earth seemed like a good
idea, but the effects of this technology are unknown and people regarded
it with reservation.
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
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A. OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY
Objectives
The aim of this qualitative study was to get a better understanding of European
opinion on the subject of innovations brought about by science and technology in
society. More precisely, its main objective was to explore reactions to some
specific innovations that might be a part of everyday life for citizens in Europe in
15 years’ time in four different areas.
Four areas/scenarios were tested:
The house of the future (Homes and living),
Health and healthcare,
Communications (Ubiquitous communication and interaction),
The environment.
Methodology and sampling
Fieldwork consisted of a series of 6 focus groups, each approximately two hour
and a half in length, conducted in each of the following 16 Member States:
France, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Finland, United Kingdom and the Czech
Republic.
Participant profile The table below presents the composition of groups:
Group Description
1 18-34 years old who finished their education between 17 and 22
2 20-34 years old who finished their education between 20 and 25
3 35-64 years old who finished their education before 18
4 35-64 years old who finished their education before 18
5 35-64 years old who finished their education after 18
6 35-64 years old who finished their education after 18
The detailed participant profiles and group composition, as well as details on the
fieldwork dates are described in the technical report.
National context
The Romanian economy has been at a standstill in recent years and public
funding for research and development of science/ technology has decreased.
Nevertheless, the IT sector is performing very well because of specific programs/
conditions offered to IT companies (tax reductions, support for investments) and
Romania now has the highest number of IT specialists per capita in Europe.
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
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I. GENERAL PERCEPTIONS ABOUT SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS
This chapter focuses on the participants’ general view on scientific and
technological innovations in order to get an overall grasp of their opinion on this
subject. Firstly, what ideas, feelings and associations come to their mind
when thinking about these innovations? What positive and negative aspects
do they tend to associate with innovations brought about by science and
technology? Secondly, looking back on recent years, which innovations do
they think have had the most impact on society and why? What changes
did these scientific and technological innovations bring?
1.1 General associations linked to the notion of scientific innovation
‘Scientific and technological innovation’ was spontaneously associated with
positive aspects related to:
Specific examples which demonstrate innovation: gadgets, electronics and
household appliances, phones, the Internet, alarm systems, computers, IT.
The broader concept of evolution: future, progress, resourcefulness, vision,
innovative spirit, intelligence, idea, history, performance, discovery,
exploration, advancement, research.
“It makes life easier, less time wasted. All these modern
technologies are a great benefit, to get anything in the shortest
time possible.” (Romania, group 4)
But it was also associated with regret because of the perceived slow pace that
characterises Romania in this field. Innovation seemed to be an attribute which
better characterizes the developed countries and one which is not sufficiently
acknowledged and applied in Romania.
When prompted for specific words with positive connotations that come to mind
when they hear ‘scientific and technological innovation’, participants thought of:
An easier life, comfort, improvement of the quality of life, having more
time for oneself and personal development.
Knowledge and rapid access to information.
Social welfare, saving lives, prolonging life expectancy.
“It depends on how we use what we invent. If we exploit it in our
favour, it’s beneficial, but if we try to abuse it, it could bring out
the worse of it and it won’t be useful anymore.” (Romania, group
3)
People also discussed the possible negative outcomes of scientific and
technological innovation:
Addiction to technology leading to isolation and difficulties in distinguishing
actual reality from virtual reality.
Sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity for both adults and children.
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
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“And childhood passes, children nowadays don’t have a normal
childhood. They just sit in front of the computer … they don’t go
outside to play, they don’t draw pictures on the sidewalk like we
use to do when we were kids.” (Romania, group 1)
Less interest among children in school education due to digital activities.
Changes in social interactions; people now communicate differently, less
by face-to-face and more by online interaction. Younger generations were
perceived by older people to be more individualistic and aggressive, which
was often seen to be related to insufficient direct social interaction among
young children (through games, time spent together playing outside).
Fear of being exposed to out-of-control experiments such as viruses,
dangerous chemical substances, development of new weapons and
weapons of mass destruction.
A constant feeling of exposure and uncertainty related to personal data
and security of information (bank transactions, identity theft, the newly
introduced ‘health card’ that contains personal background information).
“I want to say that in computer science, all this technology can
have a negative side, identity or data theft.” (Romania, group 2)
Pollution, radiation, toxicity.
“Pollution is a great problem. Any progress in science requires
resources that are limited.” (Romania, group 2)
Fear of losing identity and becoming ‘less human’ because of the close
relationship between humans and machines.
Personal feeling unable to adapt and keep up with the new inventions.
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
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1.2 The most important scientific and technological innovations observed over recent years
Among the most significant scientific and technological innovations observed over
recent years, participants mentioned
IT
Smartphones, new gadgets, GPS systems, cameras, tablets
and advanced computers. They were believed to be significant
because they have changed the way people interact, work and learn.
Positive associations were related to rapid access to information, more
accessible communication with people in other parts of the world,
extension of social networks and work productivity. Negative
associations included people being over-reliant on these devices and
becoming lazier or addicted as a result.
“Smartphones… in the subway everyone is with their phone, no
one talks to anybody about problems they have at home”
(Romania, group 1)
“Technology makes the brain lazier. It does the thinking for us.”
(Romania, group 5)
“Smartphones […] they offer us access to superior information.
Now we have Internet access everywhere. Anyone can go online
and search for anything.” (Romania, group 2)
“Another negative effect of computers, laptops, Internet, from a
social perspective for the new generations that are coming - they
spend too much time on the Internet, I’ve noticed that with us too;
instead of going out, we talk on Facebook, on social networks and
we waste essential things in life” (Romania, group 2)
“Last week there was a blackout at our place, it was a disaster
without technology. We spent 40 minutes of quality family time.
We had a chance to talk and it was great for our family!” (Romania,
group 5)
Health/medical treatment
New and better-performing medical tests, the invention of artificial
blood, recent discoveries in stem cell treatments, intensive efforts to
treat cancer, developments in surgery, microscopy and forensic
medicine. Generally, all inventions made in health/ medical
treatments prompted positive associations because nowadays people
have more opportunities to get better and live longer. On the other
hand, participants felt that people do not have equal chances to
benefit from such treatments due to financial barriers or the
unavailability of some of the new technologies in Romania. There were
also some scientific achievements that were perceived unfavourably,
such as cloning or genetic modification of organisms.
“The Japanese are still researching the perfect formula to replace
blood. I know because I’ve been watching this, but it’s not
completed yet, and regarding cancer… to discover some formula
that can cure this disease, the disease of the century… many
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
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people died, money and a lot of other things are being invested in
this.” (Romania, group 4)
“Medicine has come a long way, offering solutions for people with
different problems… heart surgery on foetuses inside of the
mother… that’s fantastic! 4D ultrasound sees everything, if the
heart is proportioned properly, if veins exit correctly… it’s
extraordinary, you don’t have to wait anxiously until the baby is
born to see if it is all right.” (Romania, group 6)
Education/knowledge
Laptops and advanced computers, smartphones and Internet.
All these devices have changed the way people learn. Education is
now a continuous process and lifelong learning is made possible by
new supporting technologies which provide rapid access to
information. Negative associations were linked to dependency,
physical inactivity and the decreasing tendency of children to learn
proactively - they are now more likely to use their memory less, some
can’t even write by hand. The amount of information is also seen as
too vast and the selection of “good” or correct information is difficult.
“I think it’s a good thing because we have access to information
anywhere, at any time, anyhow. To read a book you just have to
download it online, maybe some books aren’t available in stock and
you have to study. The more information, the better. “(Romania,
group 2)
“The number of Olympic students has decreased, there are not as
many as when we used pencil and paper to make calculus.”
(Romania, group 3)
“I think about those who live in remote villages, and have to walk
many km to reach school, and walk through forests during winter
time and it can be dangerous. It would be helpful if they had this
pad and could get courses online if they can’t reach school.”
(Romania, group 6)
Living conditions/housing
Advanced TV sets (LCD, LED, curved displays), household
appliances (smarter, more compact), PVC windows. These
spontaneously mentioned innovations are considered to have brought
more comfort and enjoyment in people’s living conditions. No
drawbacks were identified in relation to them.
“Household appliances have made my life easier. My children are
now grown up and they remind me of their childhood years when I
had to wash by hand because we had no washing machine… for me
it’s a success of technology.” (Romania, group 5)
Transport
Electric cars, GPS navigation system, safety measures, electric
windows, air conditioning, sophisticated equipment, sensors,
automatic driving. Transportation developments have meant
increased comfort for passengers, higher speed and improved safety
for both pedestrians and passengers. The negative aspects concerned
pollution as a result of more intensive use of cars.
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
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“Europe is making an effort in the business of car manufacturing,
so that we produce environmentally friendly cars.” (Romania,
group 3)
“Safety in automobile field, tests are being made for us too.
Innovation led to progress in safety domain for people. The safety
of a person, or the ones who take part in traffic, it doesn’t matter if
they are pedestrians or drivers” (Romania, group 2)
“All cars are equipped with high-tech devices, from GPS to other
things that in the past we wouldn’t even imagine they would ever
exist.” (Romania, group 3)
Work/jobs
No specific innovations were spontaneously mentioned in relation to
work/ jobs – except for the fact that nowadays people are able to do
their jobs more easily and better with the help of technology/ IT
products and services.
“Computers evolved a lot and it’s a necessity, but this has a
positive and negative side. A negative side in banking and financial
domain would be the reducing number of personnel, especially in
the back-office, cashiers will be replaced with online payment. The
good thing is that it makes life easier, the bad thing is diminishing
the number of work places. “(Romania, group 2)
“I work as an operator at the Romanian Post Office. Before
everything was done manually, but now we have computers. Work
is now minimum effort.” (Romania, group 3)
“Storing information without the need for files… It’s very good.”
(Romania, group 6)
Environmental protection
No specific innovations were spontaneously mentioned in relation to
environmental protection.
Energy
Solar panels and wind energy were brought up in discussion as
being efficient alternatives to traditional sources of energy. These
sources were considered advanced techniques for dealing with scarce
resources, but not used widely currently because they are expensive
and (possibly) because governments do not have any financial
interest in making them available on a large scale.
“You’ve seen the solar panels, they’re great, as long as you are
heating your thermal agent and water, they can provide the
comfort you need… it costs more… but again it’s advanced
technology.” (Romania, group 5)
Personal data
Bank cards, extensive use of ATMs and digitalisation of
information were spontaneously identified as being important
changes in the way personal data is used. These aspects have two
sides: positive (because it is easier to carry out transactions or to
access money) and negative (because of data security and privacy
issues, and the impact of viruses etc).
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
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“You spend too much time there and people are slowly starting to
trust social networks and it’s not a good thing, we give information
that can be used against us.” (Romania, group 1)
“You can be anywhere in the country and receive your salary, you
can make payments from home, like from an account. For me, not
having a credit card is like not having a cell-phone.” (Romania,
group 2)
“Maybe we all received these health cards. I think it’s stupid. If
data theft can be done in any IT domain, I think that a company
like National Healthcare House can be hacked at any time. I heard
that on those health cards they will put everything about your
background since you were born.” (Romania, group 2)
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
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II. SPONTANEOUS PROJECTIONS ON TOMORROWS SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS
This chapter focuses on participants’ spontaneous predictions about the scientific
and technological innovations that could be part of daily life in 2030, which
changes are seen as beneficial and those seen as more negative or undesirable.
Finally, it looks at the scientific innovations in four selected areas:
How living at home will be different in the future;
how people will take care of their health;
how people will interact with each other and with machines;
and how people will protect the environment in 2030.
2.1 The scientific innovations expected to be part of peoples’ daily life in 2030 and their possible impact
In 15 years’ time, participants imagined that most of the transportation will be
done with flying cars in a world filled with high rise buildings, where cash does
not exist, all shopping will be done online and there will be robots to take care of
all household chores
“Traffic would be easier with suspended lanes, trams will be
renewed in Bucharest... In 15 years everything will be electronic.”
(Romania, group 3)
“Robotics has a bright future and is progressing rapidly.” (Romania,
group 5)
“It won’t be necessary to go to the bank anymore for cash,
everything will be online.” (Romania, group 6)
Also, natural food will be difficult to find and people’s nutrition will be based on
pills and substitutes. Machines will be controlled by voice, electric cars will drive
themselves automatically and pollution will be reduced because of alternative
energy (hydrogen-based fuels, solar, wind).
“The only thing that can revolutionize is hydrogen-based fuel, it
doesn’t pollute, and any vehicle can use it.” (Romania, group 5)
“We will probably end up like in Star Trek, when everything
seemed strange back then and now it seems ordinary.” (Romania,
group 5)
In the ideal scenario, people will live longer because by then the cure for cancer
will have been found, they will be less tired because they will have machines to
do most of their jobs, they will get from one place to another more rapidly due to
higher speed of transportation, their lives will be healthier and safer.
“We will be able to go to Moscow for our lunch break and then
come back to work.” (Romania, group 3)
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
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On the other hand, they feared that the abuse of technology will result in the loss
of the human spirit, invasion of privacy and loss of purpose – what will people do
if all their jobs will be taken over by machines, how will they make money, what
will be their purpose and meaning?
“I will be then 55 years old and technology will be so advanced
that there won’t be any more jobs for people […] Everyone is
thinking of automated industrial lines, but what about the human
element, what will we do with it, how will people get paid to buy
stuff?” (Romania, group 3)
“If we had to tie knots on a ladder, and 100 individuals had to
make these knots, a single machine could do the work, so we
excluded 100 individuals from the processing line.” (Romania,
group 5)
The negative vision of the future predicts a world with more pollution, less forests
and contaminated water – global warming will have reached the highest point in
history. In this world, people will be exposed to human-created viruses and
natural diseases, they will be dependent on drugs, will suffer from stress, and will
not have access to natural food any more. Wars and conflicts will dominate a
world fighting for resources.
“I am concerned about one thing, scientists are playing God with
different experiments […] Viruses. Different micro-organisms which
you can’t see… but which can get out of control. I appreciate these
scientists a lot. […] But if the virus escapes or someone lets it loose,
the impact that it will have counts, you can’t know what will
happen. You can know 99% but the remaining 1 % can be
devastating.” (Romania, group 5)
2.2 Expected innovations in selected areas
Homes and living
In this area, people expected to be helped more and more by robots with
household chores (cleaning, cooking). They believe their homes will become more
comfortable, they will use advanced technology to improve their living space,
while having more time for themselves and their families (i.e. working out,
travelling), being exposed to less stress and fatigue.
The negative aspects of this scenario would be that people will become more
sedentary and they will become dependent on machines, not knowing how to deal
with small tasks without the help of robots.
Health and healthcare
In the ideal scenario, all people will benefit from new, well-equipped hospitals and
free advanced treatments. The healthcare system will be centralized, so they will
no longer have to spend their time between different doctors. By 2030, cures for
cancer, HIV and other incurable diseases will have been discovered, surgery will
be performed with more precision by robots and stem cells will be used on a large
scale for the reconstruction of organs and transplants. The downside of using
robots in medicine for surgery is that they may break down and cause accidents.
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
14
Also, older people fear that medicine will be used against them for the purpose of
population reduction.
“We are afraid that medicine will be used in population control and
reducing it. Already our planet can’t sustain our population and the
issue is being discussed, what will we do when we are unable to
live?” (Romania, group 3)
Communication
It was widely felt that communications was an area with great potential to grow
innovation. Some believed that interactions between man and machine will be
closer than ever, that social networks will develop, helping people to connect
more easily with many other people and that video conferences and holograms
will be available everywhere. The danger of this scenario consists in people being
connected all the time, making them more stressed and more dependent on
technology.
“You won’t realize the passing of time, you will always be plugged
in, always connected...” (Romania, group 2)
“I think computers will be so advanced that it will be possible to
read someone’s thoughts, you won’t have the right to intimacy
anymore.” (Romania, group 3)
Environment
Participants believed that in the future people will be more preoccupied with the
environment and will become more aware that if we want to last longer on the
planet, we need to make some profound changes. In 2030 people will use other
means of transportation that are less polluting (electric cars, flying vehicles), all
products will be bio-degradable, the technologies used in manufacturing will be
more eco-friendly and alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind will
be used extensively.
The worst case scenario was considered to be the one where things stay the
same and people continue to go about their activities at the same pace without
consideration for the environment.
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
15
III. REACTIONS TO FUTURE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN SELECTED AREAS
The main objective of the study was to explore reactions to some specific
innovations that might be a part of everyday life for citizens in Europe in 15
years’ time in four different areas.
The house of the future (homes and living);
Health and healthcare;
Communications (ubiquitous communication and interaction);
The environment.
A scenario related to each theme and introducing possible innovations was
presented during the focus-groups.
This chapter focuses on participants’ reactions to the four scenarios.
3.1 Homes and living
All participants and especially women reacted positively to this scenario. They
seemed to be surprised and delighted with the robot that would help them live
more comfortably.
They associated the scenario with words like: sci-fi, convenience, practicality,
usefulness, interest, evolution, ideal, no worries, relaxation, ‘life like in the
movies’.
Most thought the scenario was interesting because it is very innovative; Pra does
almost everything a human should do but often does not have time to do properly.
It is also useful and convenient because people will have everything they need at
their disposal and it is safe because everything is programmed and the system
will surely have mechanisms to avoid accidents. The automatic functions will
guarantee people to more time for themselves and their family.
“I would use it because I would spend more time with my child, I
would dedicate more time to my child.” (Romania, group 5)
Assessment of the scenario
Most of the participants believed that this scenario is realistic because robots
already exist in countries like Japan, China and Dubai, but at the moment they
are not as advanced as the one presented in the scenario.
“They made a movie with the Planet of the apes, and the ape was
doing chores around the house, the idea is not new.” (Romania,
group 4)
They mentioned spontaneously that they liked the aspects related to cleaning the
house, resource efficiency, online shopping and delivery of goods and the
recording and storage of all activities that happened at home in their absence.
The emotional benefits of this scenario consist of eliminating the stress linked to
household responsibilities and the feeling of being pampered and indulged.
NATIONAL REPORT – ROMANIA “Innovations, science and technology”
16
“You don’t worry anymore, everything is programmed. No more
worries. You can live 100 years without worries.” (Romania, group
4)
Some participants did not like the fact that all the data is saved on the company’s
server and that their privacy may be violated by hackers or by the company itself.
A couple of older respondents mentioned that they would like to do the shopping
themselves because they enjoy this activity and they would not rely on a robot to
make decisions for them or choose the products to buy. That is because they
believed their needs are unpredictable. A few also argued that they would like to
do household chores by themselves because they like it and they also would not
like the robot to provide an update of what happened at home in their absence
because this would take away some of the communication they have with their
family, discussing what happened during the day.
“As long as you are part of a data base, at any time that data base
can be violated.” (Romania, group 2)
“And a house full of equipment, isn’t it hazardous to live in it?”
(Romania, group 4)
Participants felt that this scenario will be embraced by the majority of people,
especially the younger population and women. Older people were more
conservative and argued that this scenario would not be part of their lives, but
rather their children’s lives. Some participants believed that the robot’s price will
be a very important barrier for it becoming mainstream. Many felt that religion
will oppose this kind of technology, as it does in the case of most innovations.
“I think yes… the younger generation… they will use it, we have a
different style. […] The younger generations accept these kinds of
changes.” (Romania, group 4)
Assessment of the innovations contained in the scenario
Participants were not really surprised about the aspects described in the scenario
because they were aware of the existence of robots and they believed that
technology will evolve, making robots more advanced than they are at present.
Most were familiar with the existence of robots, solar panels, online payments,
filter windows and receiving daily information with the aid of machines. What was
really a surprise for them however was the control of electric energy and the
supermarket drone which delivers goods to people’s homes.
The innovations described in this scenario were considered to be generally useful,
especially the assistance in cleaning the house, organising the schedule and
online shopping because all these have the potential to make people’s lives easier.
The least useful aspect seemed to be the one related to information (i.e. weather)
because it is not new and they can do this on other devices at the moment: TV,
radio or Internet.
“Free time, I want to say that technology reduces the time you
spend completing necessary activities and it results in having more
time for yourself.” (Romania, group 5)
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Some participants were afraid that the robot may break down or turn against the
human being. Older participants believed that young people will be completely
dependent on the robot and if it broke down, they would not know how to deal
with household responsibilities by themselves. People with young children feared
for the safety of their children near the robot. All participants were concerned
with their data being stored online, making them vulnerable with regard to the
security of information.
“Losing the sense of being human. I wouldn’t like it if a robot does
everything I am supposed to do, and I just sit in bed all day.”
(Romania, group 1)
“You have a list and go to the supermarket… what does it do:
brings me the products without me checking and looking at them?”
(Romania, group 4)
The options for making this scenario more acceptable would be to store all the
information and settings on the internal hardware of the robot.
Overall ranking of the innovations contained in the scenario
Personal assistant (planning, personal messages, weather
forecast…)
Most people were open to the idea of a personal assistant to help them live a
more stress-free life, but did not find the planning, personal messages and
weather forecast particularly relevant for their needs because they can do this
already with the help of other devices.
“I would love someone to clean for me and bring me tea in bed”
(Romania, group 1)
Personalized assistance in performing 'household chores'
(cleaning of the house…)
This aspect received high praise from all groups because it gave the participants
the feeling of really being helped to enjoy more time doing what they like or
spending more time with their loved ones without worrying too much about
household responsibilities that currently take a lot of their personal time.
Keeps a complete memory/ recording of home events
Most of the participants showed interest in this function because it lets them
know if anything is wrong with their home (i.e. if a pipe broke down, there is a
fire or someone broke into their home). It would have been more interesting if
the robot could send them notifications in case of an emergency.
All data stored by the Robot in his memory is kept online on the
company’s data servers (in case it breaks down)
This aspect was evaluated negatively because of the risk of their privacy being at
risk – they would not like anyone to see what happens in the privacy of their
home.
“All data are held online on the company’s server. I wouldn’t like it
if someone could enter the server and see what you have been
doing.” (Romania, group 1)
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“You have the right to a private life, to intimacy, and this is
different from hiding or not hiding things. That’s how I feel […] I
know I’m being monitored, but the robot I purchased for my own
comfort should not do this.” (Romania, group 5)
Smart fridge that warns you when you run out of food
Younger people were more open to this idea, but older people felt this function is
useless because their needs change every day and a smart fridge could not
possibly guess what they would like to eat or if they really need what is missing
from the fridge. Also, the idea of letting the robot make decisions and making
payments with their credit card is not welcomed – they would not let decisions
about their finances be taken over by a robot.
“The refrigerator can’t always tell you what you need. My wife
makes soup today, tomorrow she makes it again… but the soup is
not the same. At that time maybe I will prefer more or less salt,
this robot Pra doesn’t really know what my tastes are.” (Romania,
group 4)
Home delivery of goods by drones
Older participants were more in favour of this idea because it would spare them
the effort of carrying all the goods home. Younger participants like the shopping
experience and would like to choose the products to buy personally; they would
not trust the store to make decisions for them.
“If I like cooking, I also like grocery shopping, I prefer to do it
myself” (Romania, group 1)
Filter windows that automatically darken to block excess sunlight
Even though many liked this idea, all stated that it is not new and that it exists
already.
Smart meters connected to a smart power grid (power company
monitors your exact electricity consumption; example: charges you
less for consumption during off-peak times…)
All participants were in favour of this because it would help them pay less for
energy.
Alternative scientific innovations
In the future, people would like all household appliances to be wireless (to
eliminate unsightly cables from their homes) and more compact to fit their space
better.
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3.2 Health and healthcare
First impressions/ general feelings towards the scenario
People had mixed feelings with regard to this scenario. On the one hand they
thought it was useful and beneficial for people’s health, but others feared the
scenario gave authorities too much control over their lives.
First associations with the scenario related to words like: health, prevention, aid,
necessity, safety, usefulness, accessibility, but also with words with negative
connotations: control, violating personal data, not-credible.
“More advantageous. Easier, more accessible.” (Romania, group 3)
Prevention was one of the most frequently mentioned words because, in the
participants’ view, people in Romania do not show enough concern for prevention
and usually go to the doctor when it is too late. Also, this scenario was highly
praised as beneficial because people felt they were being cared for and they were
helped to identify and eliminate health risks.
“I would like men and women not to arrive too late at the doctor’s
office. <<My neighbour took something and it doesn’t hurt
anymore>>, we all do the same, we still do the same thing our
neighbour does… and traditional medicine. A friend told me to have
a routine check 1-2 times a year, I got there too late. We neglect
our health.” (Romania, group 3)
Older targets showed a more reserved opinion about this scenario and tended to
reject aspects linked to the biochip and controlling the population’s data because
they feared their health may be affected by people who have access to their
personal information.
Assessment of the scenario
This scenario was considered to be very realistic, as some of the aspects
described are similar or already exist in the present. The least credible part was
the one about the store’s involvement in recommending healthy foods to be
consumed by people at risk – participants did not believe that a store would ever
promote goods that are not in its commercial interest to sell.
The most favourably evaluated aspects involved the quick interaction with the
doctor (all), the home test with rapid results (all) and the data analysed by
researchers (younger targets). Older participants did not trust the patch, while
most of the younger ones thought it could be a convenient solution to prevent
illnesses. Although participants did not consider the idea of the supermarket
giving dietary advice very credible, they liked it and thought it could work to their
advantage.
“For me the video doctor is not new, in other countries you go
online and search if you need advice and tests taken it takes you to
the specific site and it tells you to call the doctor online.” (Romania,
group 6)
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One of the points which almost all participants disliked was purchasing over-the-
counter genetic tests because people do not trust buying a health-related device
from just any type of store. A pharmacist would have provided more credibility to
the product and also more competence in case a customer needs additional
advice on how the product works.
Religion was mentioned as a top barrier to making this scenario available for
everyone. Even today, the Orthodox Church is putting pressure to eliminate
electronic health cards from use, claiming the microchip contains the ‘666’ devil
number (the same as for the biometric passport). Other barriers in making this
scenario available to everyone could be, in the participants’ opinion, the high cost
of stem-cell treatments and the feeling of privacy invasion with biochips
monitoring and personal data saved online.
“Like they did with these health cards, when they showed on TV
some nuns who refused to take them.” (Romania, group 3)
Assessment of the innovations contained in the scenario
The scenario is credible and most of the participants are not surprised by the
innovations described.
They were already familiar with elements like: identity biochip, health cards, stem
cells and verifying glycaemia with quick tests.
“From a medical point of view, in the past if you wanted to check
your blood pressure or blood sugar, you had to go to the hospital,
but now there are devices that can be purchased at the pharmacy
and do those tests at home” (Romania, group 2)
What was a novelty to them was notifying the supermarket, video calls with the
physician and the idea of a biochip that constantly monitors the health condition.
Participants believed that most of the innovations described in the scenario are
extremely useful because they help people prevent and monitor their illnesses
without effort – i.e. the idea of a biochip, rapid contact with the doctor, tests
conducted at home, but some older participants felt that the biochip will be
exercising an undesirable control and intrusion in their privacy, producing a fear
of control, but also fear of finding out what are their health risks and of becoming
obsessed with fear of dying of a particular disease.
“Maybe I want to give someone a gift and I have a lot of friends or
maybe I’m going to a party or I buy too many alcoholic beverages.
Would they notify me then?” (Romania, group 1)
“And I spend all my time thinking that I’m predisposed to some
disease […] Sometimes is better not to know than thinking what
could trigger disease.” (Romania, group 3)
The existence of a biochip that knows everything about people and stores data in
a national health register was unacceptable to some older participants and was
rejected on the spot, it would not become less frightening for them under any
circumstances.
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“Many health related risks […] Having this chip […] That is the
purpose. If it’s implemented it can destroy you.” (Romania, group
6)
Overall ranking of the innovations contained in the scenario
('Over the counter') Genetic tests
The idea of genetic tests was familiar and was considered to be useful for the
prevention of health problems but opinions about selling them in an OTC system
were split: some found it very convenient, others would not trust a health product
bought in regular commercial stores, without being accompanied by the
recommendation of a pharmacist.
“I don’t have the information in a supermarket, there you can only
read the description, and those tests should be monitored and not
be available to everyone. I don’t say they’re not good, they’re
welcome, but not in supermarkets. They should be in a pharmacy.”
(Romania, group 3)
Dietary advice for disease prevention
This aspect was understood as beneficial because it would help people get advice
on nutrition and thus prevent disease and reshape their behaviour, but it was not
credible that a supermarket would give such recommendations without following
its commercial interests.
“I hard for me to think that a shop wants to prevent me from
buying more…” (Romania, group 3)
(Wearable) biochips for health monitoring and diagnosis
Younger participants were less resistant to the idea of this device for prevention
and monitoring their health condition, but older participants were more reluctant
due to fears related to data security and invasion of privacy.
Centralised Health data records (‘National health record’) (which can
be accessed only by the patient and his/her doctor); this health data can
furthermore be used anonymously by researchers for medicine
development
Some people were against this practice out of fear of becoming ‘guinea pigs’ for
pharmaceutical companies that may have an interest in accessing their data,
while others were completely open to sharing their details with researchers who
might use their statistical data to find cures for serious diseases.
Medical consultations made at your home: Doctor
consults/counsels you at your home ('tele medicine')
Although not totally new (because patients and doctors currently communicate by
phone), this element of the scenario received positive assessments. What was
indeed new and exciting for the participants was the transmission in real-time of
test results to the doctor. More traditionalist participants tended not to completely
trust quick tests and believed that only a complete physical/ blood exam could
offer 100% sure results.
“A direct link to your doctor, you get your results at home, no more
wasting time in clinics.” (Romania, group 3)
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Stem cell therapy (for organ repair)
Most people were favourable to this type of therapy, but many had doubts about
its efficiency since research in this field has just begun to develop. The major
drawback of this new generation of treatment was believed to be the cost
because nowadays it is very expensive and its efficiency is not entirely proven. Alternative scientific innovations
Full body scans that could identify all health problems, developing drugs that do
not harm the other organs when treating a condition (i.e. liver, kidneys), finding
the cure for cancer, advanced solutions for people with disabilities, 100%
sterilization, detection of incurable diseases of unborn children, finding an
infallible cure for alcoholism – all these were spontaneously mentioned as ideal
innovations for the future in terms of health and healthcare.
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3.3 Ubiquitous communication and interaction
First impressions/ general feelings towards the scenario
Reactions to this scenario were generally negative, especially from people with a
higher level of education. Although positive aspects were mentioned as well, the
feeling of control dominated feedback towards this scenario.
The first associations mentioned tended to focus on continuous monitoring and
control (Big Brother theme) and lack of privacy. More positive associations also
came out in the groups: safety, ease of communication and fun, virtual
interaction.
The predominant aspect of monitoring created a negative feeling of bring tracked
and controlled, never alone and potentially abused, while the second most
discussed theme – ease of communication – made participants feel more
connected to the world, closer to people anywhere in the world.
Assessment of the scenario
The scenario was evaluated as very realistic because part of the innovations
described already exist in one form or another and, taking into consideration the
rapid progress of technology in the communication field, participants believe that
future developments will be even more astonishing.
Younger people particularly liked the holographic communication because it would
make them feel closer to friends and family who are away. But the older
participants were scared of holographic communication, feeling that it is either
useless or intrusive for them. Other aspects evaluated as positive were linked to
traffic cameras and GPS tracking to witness accidents and to identify criminals,
supporting the idea of safety, but also payment of insurance based on drivers’
historical behaviour.
“The person you are talking to maybe it’s someone dear to you,
and you can’t reach him/her.” (Romania, group 2)
“If holographic interpretation of facial expressions would be
possible, it would be great, so that the person you are talking to
can see the state of emotion you are in… you can’t say <<I love
you>> while doing something else.” (Romania, group 2)
Most people rejected monitoring and tracking of individuals in traffic or groups
(including facial recognition in stores), considering that control is acceptable on a
macro scale, but not at individual level. Participants did not necessarily like
suggestions or gift recommendations coming from stores on social networks,
thinking that this would take the surprise element away from human interaction.
“Then they will know everything about us, they can even recognize
from your face what preferences you have?!” (Romania, group 5)
Participants believed that this type of change will happen with or without
acceptance from the majority of people, for instance phone calls are already
tapped and stored for six months even though people do not agree.
“I’m not ready for this yet, maybe my son is, I’m not.” (Romania,
group 5)
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Assessment of the innovations contained in the scenario
The scientific and technological innovations described were not surprising for the
participants because all the elements described are inspired from films (i.e. Star
Trek) and even from present-day reality.
The most familiar aspects were: GPS connection, traffic/ supermarket/ public
place monitoring, smart watches, 3D projections and video calls. Holograms stood
out as more surprising than the other innovations described, but the idea is not
new.
Some of the aspects described were considered to be useful, some were not. For
instance, holograms were perceived as useful for younger participants, while
older participants viewed them as a form of entertainment, a whim or even scary
compared to normal video calls. Traffic monitoring was evaluated as useful for
capturing criminals or redirecting traffic by all participants, while facial recognition
and store messages or recommendations were considered to be the least useful
innovations.
“It’s something normal for some and something scary for others.
For someone with health problems, knowing that your child in USA
and then you see him next to you.” (Romania, group 3)
Facial recognition and the possibility for anyone to be tracked on a small scale
level was a subject of concern for all the groups.
“I agree with real-time information exchange, but not with
precision camera satellites that can tell precisely where a person is.
It helps in some way, but it’s not helpful for regular people.”
(Romania, group 2)
In order to be more acceptable, monitoring should remain at a wider, more
collective level and individual monitoring should be done only in the case of
criminals.
Overall ranking of the innovations contained in the scenario
Ubiquitous tracking of machines and people with satellites,
trackers and cameras
Higher education participants were against omnipresent tracking, while the others
focused on the benefits of tracking (safety, catching criminals). The arguments
for rejection were in related to control and loss of privacy.
(Facial) recognition technology
For participants, this aspect was acceptable only to help authorities find criminals.
But in the context of shopping, facial recognition technology was perceived as
both sinister and useless.
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Collection of data on personal preferences used by companies
This was not believed to be very useful. A few people were interested because it
would help them save time on finding sales and goods to fit their needs.
“Another negative aspect would be associating your account with
your profile on a social network so that the shop can recommend
products that you can buy. It’s stupid. It’s my friend’s birthday,
maybe she likes those products, or maybe she doesn’t want to
receive something she can buy herself, something she can see
online all the time. There is no more surprise in it […] we should be
able to choose a gift, not just pick one suggested by the computer.”
(Romania, group 2)
Virtual reality:
at home; holographic calling
Younger participants embraced this idea, hoping that holograms will make
communication more authentic, but older participants rejected it for being useless
or unnatural.
“You will end up having virtual life sexual experiences … not feeling,
not seeing, not hearing, only brain impulses. Jogging virtually,
eating virtually, living virtually… I don’t know…” (Romania, group
5)
in education (virtual courses)
Virtual reality in the field of communication generated unanimous positive
evaluations regardless of age. People believed this innovation has the potential to
make education more interactive and engaging for children, raising their attention
level and attracting them into learning.
“There are courses which are online, only read the texts and
nothing else... If it were in holographic format, I think it would be
more interactive, you could probably ask questions, not just read
texts.” (Romania, group 2)
at work (virtual meetings with colleagues)
At work, virtual reality seems to simplify the connection between people and save
time, but some older participants could not find the added benefit compared to
video calling of colleagues.
in public places (virtual information stands)
Information stands already exist, but are not used by the population because
they are not sufficiently interesting or easy to use. Most participants agreed that
interactive holograms would attract people to use them and, thus, become more
informed.
“I would like to see a holographic police officer directing traffic.”
(Romania, group 2)
Alternative scientific innovations
Because this area of innovation is very unpredictable and moves rapidly,
participants could not come up with specific ideas for possible future innovations
that they would find acceptable. It was hard for them to identify a need that is
not currently met.
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3.4 Environment
First impressions/ general feelings towards the scenario
First reactions to this scenario were unanimously positive, all thought this was an
ideal scenario for the future – ‘too good to be true’.
They associated this scenario with recycling, environment protection, resource
efficiency, durable developments, valuing natural resources and modernity. The
most powerful associations were in regard to durable development and safety
(cleaner environment, safer environment for humankind).
“This scenario would reduce pollution and then we would have life
security, we would live longer, live healthier and less expensive
lives.” (Romania, group 4)
Assessment of the scenario
This scenario already exists on a smaller scale in more developed countries,
which is why it seemed realistic to all the participants – idealistic, but credible.
People believed that Romania is far from making this scenario come true, but
Western European countries have a high potential of transforming this scenario
into reality by 2030.
“At this moment all these things exist, but not for regular people,
they don’t have houses like that. The technology is developed but
not implemented.” (Romania, group 2)
In their opinion, all that is needed is people to be educated in the spirit of ecology,
to understand that Earth’s resources should be cherished and rationalized and
then motivated to implement changes.
Participants liked most of the elements of the scenario, particularly living in
suburbs, renewable energy, recycling waste, finding innovative ways to eliminate
CO2 from the atmosphere, preserving water and the environment in general.
“Buildings are constructed mostly out of recycled materials, out of
the demolition of other building. I like the idea, it sounds
interesting. I’ve heard about this, crushing concrete from old
buildings to reuse it, they say it’s better because there won’t be
any more trucks to dump concrete blocks in the fields.” (Romania,
group 4)
“I see environmental protection. It’s known that CO2 is bad and
destroys oxygen….I see good in this.” (Romania, group 6)
A few did not trust constructions made from waste, thinking they would not be
solid enough, but were also reluctant about the idea of transforming
contaminated water into drinking water. None of the participants understood the
proposed changes in agriculture and what would happen to farmers when new
technologies were introduced. Also, attitudes towards feeding micro-organisms
with CO2 were viewed suspiciously because participants could not predict how this
would affect life in the oceans. Trapping CO2 inside the Earth seemed like a good
idea, but again, the effects of this technology are unknown and people regarded it
with reservation.
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“If I want to build a house, I wouldn’t agree to having it built out of
recycled materials.” (Romania, group 2)
Out of viable alternatives, the majority of people would have to accept this
scenario because it is the only way life on Earth could endure. In the participants’
view, people need to be motivated to implement changes (either positively
through incentives or negatively through penalties if they do not comply with
environmental rules). Each country’s government would need to adapt legislation
and decide a viable strategy for the implementation of these rules.
“Educating the population. Currently there are lots of things that
are thrown away and that could be recycled: plastic, glass, paper.”
(Romania, group 6)
Barriers towards making this scenario happen consist in people’s low education in
ecological practices such as recycling, but most importantly, the absence of legal
norms or non-adherence to them by companies and people.
Assessment of the innovations contained in the scenario
The participants were not surprised by the innovations described in the scenario
because most of the practices and technologies already exist, even in Romania.
“Waste sorting has been practiced for many years, it has been tried
in Bucharest as well, but few people really do it.” (Romania, group
2)
The elements identified as new were linked to the technologies for eliminating
CO2 from the atmosphere and the satellite agriculture - neither one fully
understood. All the elements described in the scenario were evaluated as having
high potential for being useful to life on Earth and societal development in
general; none were assessed as unacceptable or frightening.
Overall ranking of the innovations contained in the scenario
(Most energy is derived from) renewable energy like solar panels
and wind farms
The idea was positively received, but a couple of participants expressed concerns
about the fact that this type of energy is not enough to support all the activities
of the planet and traditional sources of energy are still needed.
“You can’t produce 100% just from solar and wind power alone,
you need something else too. It’s a good idea, but it can’t be self-
sustaining.” (Romania, group 2)
Energy efficiency: energy efficient homes and cities
Even though the investment price today for the implementation of efficient
houses was considered to be very high, people hoped that in the future this will
change with these technologies becoming more widely available. This aspect of
the scenario received only positive evaluations.
Recycling of materials and natural resources
(building/construction materials, water…)
A few participants showed some concerns about building with recycled materials
that could affect the durability of the building, but other than that, all the
assessments were positive.
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Recycling of waste
This idea received only positive feedback – this is already done, but not as much
as it should be.
Conversion of waste into value‐added by-products (ex.
Biorefineries turning agricultural residues into plastic and fuel)
This idea received only positive feedback – eliminating waste constructively and
in a smart way.
New farming management practices in agriculture (minimum
inputs/monitoring of crops and cattle with high‐resolution
satellites and sensors)
Participants did not understand this aspect and its utility.
“I don’t understand a thing about these satellites and a herd of
cows… Let’s say you have 1000 cows and one cow goes nuts...
What does the satellite do? Maybe the satellite can do something
else, this year is good for grains…maybe plant it there.” (Romania,
group 4)
Geo‐engineering:
Underground CO2 storage
Opinions were mixed. Although it seemed like a good innovation, most people
had doubts first about the collection of CO2 from the atmosphere and second
about what would happen to this gas once it is stored inside the Earth – is there
any danger of explosion, earthquake, what if the Earth surface cracks and the gas
is eliminated massively?
“How to gather CO2?! It’s weird. […] How can you gather gas? It’s
not like you can use a broom for this.” (Romania, group 4)
Carbon Ocean fertilisation
Participants proved sceptical about this element of the scenario because they
could not have imagined what impact this would have on the eco-system in
general – would some species be affected, isn’t it toxic for living organisms?
“If the fauna isn’t destroyed or the ecosystem, then it’s good.”
(Romania, group 6)
Alternative scientific innovations
Other than the scientific and technological innovations described in the scenario,
people would like the future to bring less dependence on polluting fuels, more
advanced technologies to filter the air and, of course, a more educated society
that would value and protect natural resources.
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IV. CONCLUSION After the discussion session, people felt more confident that the future can bring
favourable changes, but the success of the changes would depend on how people
will manage their resources and how they will understand change – in a
constructive or destructive manner.
“It got better, it was an interesting discussion, pleasant, useful.”
(Romania, group 4)
Positive feedback was seen from participants with regard to:
A more comfortable life (better living conditions, receiving help in
domestic areas).
More time for themselves.
Prevention and rapid communication in detecting and monitoring life-
threatening diseases.
The hope that something can be done about the environment, that not all
is lost.
Some negative feelings towards the future came out when discussing about:
Biochips.
Ubiquitous monitoring.
“During this discussion I thought that thing I saw in movies can
become reality. It strengthened my beliefs now.” (Romania, group
5)