Abstract:

In the knowledge triangle of education-research-innovation, education is a means to disseminate knowledge, develop skills and create value; research and innovation contribute directly to the prosperity and welfare of citizens and society. The knowledge creation and capitalization, the increasing role of research, science and technology in society are reflected in the Europe 2020 Strategy, which propose to ensure a smart growth through more effective investment in education, research and innovation.

Science and technology are relevant to society when their effects are felt in the daily lives of citizens and respond to the concrete needs of the economical environment and the public sector, in particular to increase the quality of services (such as health or security of citizens), and offers perspectives of employment in the private sector to a greater number of people.

Promoting research, science and technological innovation is the key priorities for the European Union because it can answer many of the problems facing the world in the 21st century.

Starting from these premises, the article investigates Romanian and European citizens' opinions on the priority areas of applicability for research, science and technology and the impact of science and technological innovation on different areas of activity. This analysis is based on the 2014 Eurobarometer survey involving 27,910 face-to-face interviews across 28 European countries, between 14th and 26th of June 2014, including 1,015 Romanian citizens.

Keywords:

Science, research, innovation, citizens, society.