At 3M we seek to observe, understand and solve. What we believe is simple: We are people committed to helping other people. Every day we help tackle problems, big and small, in pursuit of our vision to improve every life.

Improving Lives through Innovation and Action

What does humanity think about science? We wanted to find out.

October 22, 2019

For the second year in a row, the 3M State of Science Index has captured the world’s thoughts on how science is providing value, where it can take us, and how we can better tell the stories of how it is helping us solve the world’s problems.

teacher helping student with robotics project

As a science-led company, 3M knows that what our people do every day is helping to create the foundations of a better future. But does the world agree? Do they see the value of science in their everyday lives?

For the second year in a row, we set out to find answers. By surveying over 14,000 people in 14 countries around the world, we learned that while most people are optimistic about the role science has to play in the world, there is a huge opportunity to show how it is meaningful in our everyday lives.

And while 87% of respondents agreed that we need science to solve the world’s problems, only 20% of them stand up for the merits of science when debating them with others. Moreover, 88% feel that science is too complicated.

“The vast majority of people see the same opportunity with science that we see every day at 3M. The world needs science more than ever to help solve the toughest challenges facing the planet.”
Mike Roman, 3M CEO

At the end of the day, 86% of respondents were optimistic about the role of science in the next 20 years, with 62% believing that the best days of science are yet to come. We couldn’t agree more and look forward to taking a lead role in making the value of science something that the world celebrates.

To explore the entire 3M State of Science Index, click here.