New research highlights public concerns over artificial intelligence accountability in healthcare

A new report from Leaps by Bayer, Boston Consulting Group, and Ipsos UK examines why public attitudes toward breakthrough technologies differ across regions, generations, and industries.

The report, “How Society Feels About Breakthrough Science: Decoding the ‘Why,’” explores perceptions of artificial intelligence in healthcare, cell and gene therapies, new genomic techniques in agriculture, and cultivated meat. The research is based on interviews conducted in China, Germany, and the United States and expands on a 2025 quantitative survey of more than 13,000 respondents across 13 countries.

According to the study, optimism about science and technology remains strongest in lower- and middle-income countries. Healthcare innovations are generally viewed more positively than advances in food and agriculture.

Researchers found that people in higher-income countries view serious disease and healthcare system strain as more immediate concerns than food scarcity or climate change. The report suggests limited connection to food production may contribute to weaker urgency around agricultural innovation in countries such as Germany and the United States.

Artificial intelligence in healthcare generated mixed reactions across regions and age groups. While 64 percent of global survey respondents said they feel positive about artificial intelligence’s impact on human health, acceptance depended heavily on visible human oversight.

The report found that participants broadly support artificial intelligence systems that assist clinicians rather than replace them. Concerns about accountability, job displacement, inaccurate outputs, and fake images were especially common among younger respondents with greater exposure to artificial intelligence tools.

Gen Z respondents in the United States expressed lower confidence in institutions responsible for governing artificial intelligence compared with respondents outside the country. According to the quantitative survey, 72 percent of Gen Z respondents outside the United States viewed artificial intelligence positively in relation to healthcare, compared with 42 percent in the United States.

The study also found that emotional beliefs influence public attitudes toward emerging technologies more than technical details. Researchers identified three recurring mindsets — Optimists, Rationalists, and Skeptics — that shape reactions to innovations across demographics and geographies.

Attitudes toward cell and gene therapies also shifted depending on personal circumstances. The report noted that some skeptical participants said they would consider established therapies if recommended by a physician during a serious illness with limited treatment options.

Trust in public institutions emerged as another major factor influencing acceptance of breakthrough science. According to the survey data, 62 percent of respondents globally trust health authorities to act in the public’s best interest. Trust levels were lower in Germany and the United States than in China.

The report states that transparent communication and greater participation by scientists in public discussions are important for building confidence in emerging technologies.

Juergen Eckhardt, Executive Vice President and Head of Leaps by Bayer, said understanding the emotions and beliefs behind public attitudes is necessary for building acceptance of technologies that could deliver significant human benefits.

The qualitative study included 21 interviews across China, Germany, and the United States, including 12 interviews with Gen Z participants.