A Technological Scenario for a Healthier, More Equitable and Sustainable Europe in 2040: Citizen Perceptions and Policy Implications

Arlind Xhelili, Rosa Strube, Francesca Grossi, Iva Zverinova, Timothy Taylor, Pablo Martinez-Juarez, Sonia Quiroga, Cristina Suarez and Dragan Gjorgjev
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Arlind Xhelili: Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP), 42107 Wuppertal, Germany
Rosa Strube: Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP), 42107 Wuppertal, Germany
Francesca Grossi: Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP), 42107 Wuppertal, Germany
Timothy Taylor: European Centre on Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro TR1 3HD, UK
Pablo Martinez-Juarez: Health Economics Group, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
Dragan Gjorgjev: The Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Macedonia (IJZRM), 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: This article aims at exploring, understanding and comparing European citizens’ insights and perceptions towards “My life between realities”, a positive future scenario which depicts a narrative of reaching healthier, more equitable and sustainable societies by 2040 with the support of technology and technological solutions. It responds to the need for gathering and incorporating more citizen insights into future policy developments and strategic actions to tackle the global challenge of unsustainable development. Citizens of five European countries—the Czech Republic, Germany, North Macedonia, Spain and the United Kingdom—have been consulted through focus groups. The exercise has uncovered citizens’ preferences and attitudes towards four main lifestyle areas; namely, green spaces, energy efficient housing, active mobility and (food) consumption. The technological attributes of the scenario led to citizens expressing diametrically opposed and critical perceptions and attitudes. Given the prospects of technology in driving sustainable development, based on these insights, policy recommendations for the better integration and acceptance of technological advances by the public are discussed herein.

Keywords: sustainability; health; equity; lifestyles; future scenarios; technology; citizen insights; policy recommendations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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