Social dimensions of synthetic biology in the agrifood sector: the perspective of Chinese and EU scientists
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 25 May 2021
Issue publication date: 2 November 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Scientists' perceptions of societal needs and priorities will shape the innovation trajectories of synthetic biology (SB). In turn, these will be shaped by the funding and regulatory environments in which their research is conducted. This study intends to investigate scientists' perspectives on co-innovation with the public regarding implementation of pathways associated with SB including its agrifood applications.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Chinese and EU scientists (N = 9 and 13, respectively). Six prominent themes emerged from the data based on thematic analysis method.
Findings
Both Chinese and EU scientists regarded SB as being high-benefit, low-risk and ethically acceptable, and predicted its rejection by the general public and attributed this to the public's knowledge deficit and irrationality. They endorsed the deficit model of science communication, independent of greater emphasis on responsible research and innovation (RRI) in EU research projects. The findings raised concerns that public fears might intensify once they have learned about scientists' biased risk perceptions of SB; this calls for better involvement of broader stakeholders.
Research limitations/implications
As the sample size is relatively small, the generalisation of research findings needs to be cautious. However, the authors believe the findings have provided some insights that support increasingly RRI associated with SB.
Originality/value
This study has presented scientists' misunderstandings of societal responses to SB and science communication. It has also provided information to understand how SB-related issues and agenda can be better shaped in future.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank R D M Cullen for insightful comments on earlier drafts of this article. The authors also thank Gaogui Shi and Zhihui Liang for helping conduct and transcribe some interviews in this study.
Declarations of interest statement: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Citation
Jin, S., Clark, B., Li, W., Kuznesof, S. and Frewer, L.J. (2021), "Social dimensions of synthetic biology in the agrifood sector: the perspective of Chinese and EU scientists", British Food Journal, Vol. 123 No. 12, pp. 4135-4154. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-12-2020-1142
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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