Making Science Make Sense

Bayer Facts of Science Education Survey

Likelihood of Someone in Their Generation Developing New Technology With Major Impact on Society

Question 18

How likely is it that someone in your generation will become the next Bill Gates, meaning a leader who will develop a new technology that will have a major impact on society. Is it very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely or not likely at all?

Question 19

(If "likely"): Could you be that person?

Question 20

(If "likely"): Do you know someone else who could become that person?

The vast majority (86%) of college students believe that someone in their own generation will become a leader who will develop a new technology that will have a major impact on society. Half (50%) believe this is very likely and 36% somewhat likely. Ten percent do not.


LIKELIHOOD THAT THE NEXT TECHNOLOGY LEADER WILL COME FROM THEIR GENERATION (n=1000)

Asked if they thought they could be this person, among those who felt someone from their own generation could be this leader, 24% felt they could be the next Bill Gates. Men were more likely than women to believe they could become the next Bill Gates. (38% vs. 14%). Business majors were as likely as those in science, engineering, math or medicine to feel they could be the next leader (32% among each of these groups). Two-thirds (67%) say they know someone else who could become this person.


WHO WILL BE NEXT LEADER MAKING MAJOR IMPACT ON SOCIETY? (n=859)
(Based on all who believe the next technology leader will come from their generation)

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