The public perception will have a major influence on the future progress of biotechnology

Biotechnology has given so much for comfortable living that it is supposed to change the life style in the years to come. The success of biotechnology depends upon the acceptance of its benefits by the consumers.

The public perception will have a major influence on the future progress of biotechnology i.e. investment and research and development in new areas.

The consumers should understand the technology’s positive and negative aspects, so that they would accept or reject it. If the public accepts the technology, it will flourish and there will be more investment in research and development and if not, the technology will have a little social relevance and will prove counter-productive.

Public debate is essential for deciding on the social relevance of a biotechnological product or process. For example, people are concerned with the consumption of genetically modified food. This may be the reason for genetically modified food not making sufficient inroads to the marketplace.

Scientific literacy is a prerequisite for participating in a public debate. Scientific literacy plays a more important role in evaluating the risks or benefits of a biotechnological application in a democratic country, since the government is elected through the people’s mandate.