Understanding public perceptions of biotechnology through the "Integrative Worldview Framework"

Area of Science:

• Social sciences
• Biotechnology ethics
• Science and technology studies

Background:

• Societal responses to biotechnological innovations are influenced by cultural worldviews.
• Existing research on public perceptions of biotechnology is diverse and sometimes fragmented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the utility of the Integrative Worldview Framework (IWF) for analyzing public perceptions of biotechnology.
• To provide a unifying understanding of the literature on biotechnology perceptions by applying the IWF.

Main Methods:

• Review of research on public perceptions of biotechnology.
• Analysis of stakeholder debates on the bio-based economy.
• Application of the Integrative Worldview Framework (IWF) as an analytical lens.

Main Results:

• The IWF operationalizes worldviews (traditional, modern, postmodern) and reveals their underlying influence on societal responses to biotechnology.
• The framework unifies diverse literature on biotechnology perceptions, highlighting paradigmatic gaps in social science.

Conclusions:

• The IWF is relevant for research on socio-technical change perceptions.
• It offers insights for reflexive and inclusive policy-making and debates on biotechnology.
• The framework aids in understanding the societal implications of biotechnological advancements.