Type of Intervention: Specific Action
Sectors Involved: Research and Development
Level of Jurisdiction: National
Lead People/Agency: Ministry of Science and Innovation and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT)
Overview: Title: 84% of the Spanish population is in favour of the Government investing in science
Overview:
The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) has presented this week at the headquarters of the National Science and Technology Museum in Madrid the main results of the 10th Social Perception of Science Survey carried out in 2020. The survey was published June 2, 2021.
Among the survey results, a large majority of the Spanish population believe that more should be invested in science and technology at all levels of public administration and private companies. This demand is higher in relation to the Spanish government, supported by 85 % of the population. Eighty percent believe that regional governments should increase investment in science and technology research, along with 71% who believe that local administrations and private companies should do so.
In terms of interest in science and technology issues, the survey reveals that around one in seven people (14 %) spontaneously express an interest in science and technology issues, a similar proportion to those who express an interest in economy (16 %), education (15 %) and environment (10 %). This is similar to the interest detected in the 2018 survey (16 %).
A spontaneously declared interest in science and technology continues to be higher among men (19 %) than among women (10 %). However, women show a greater interest in topics with a very direct relationship to science and technology, such as medicine and health. Thirty-two percent of women show a spontaneous interest in these issues, compared to 20 % among men. Women were also more interested in issues related to the pandemic (50 %, compared to 43 % of men), a central theme this year and closely linked to the development of scientific evidence.
Full details here: https://www.fecyt.es/en/news/84-spanish-population-favour-government-investing-science
Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group
Source of Evidence or Justification: National – academic, National – government