PAPER: New technologies: public perceptions
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/03036758.2020.1850481
Conservation pest control with new technologies: public perceptions
January 2021
MacDonald EA, Neff MB, Edwards E, Medvecky F, Balanovic J. 2021. Conservation pest control with new technologies: public perceptions. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 52(1): 95-107.
ABSTRACT
New genetic tools can potentially mitigate the decline of biodiversity. Democratisation of science mandates public opinion be considered while new technologies are in development. We conducted eleven focus groups in New Zealand to explore three questions about novel technologies (gene drive and two others for comparison of pest control tools): (1) what are the risks/benefits? (2) how do they compare to current methods? and (3) who should be represented on a panel that evaluates the tools and what factors should they consider? Findings from the content analysis of the risks/benefits revealed three main considerations that were of social concern – Environmental, Practical, and Ethical. Most participants were self-aware of their insufficient knowledge to compare the different technologies. Unanimously, respondents wanted the available information provided throughout the tool development process and saw multi-sector panel oversight as essential. Scientists and policy makers should match the public’s willingness to engage collaboratively.
KEYWORDS
Collingridge dilemma; CRISPR; gene drive; invasive species; public engagement; responsible innovation; synthetic biology
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