Who Can Solve Our Biggest Challenges? Perceptions of the Relative Importance of Science and Economics

Abstract

Science is often touted as the solution to our biggest problems; economics underlies most government and social policy. So which discipline does the public at large consider as being most important in solving our biggest challenges: Science or economics? We report on a survey asking the American public how they perceive the relative importance of science and economics in dealing with five societal challenges. How 'key' are science and economics considered for climate change, environmental protection, natural resources, health, and food security? We analyse the relative importance of science and economics across demographics and discuss possible interpretations of the results.