András Baneth

In the age of social media, activism and superficial science literacy and decreasing levels of trust, risk perception is a tough challenge to manage. Pharma, life sciences, science-driven organizations need to learn how to better communicate the benefits, risks and the social role of their innovative business.

With funny examples, serious insights and an entertaining narrative, I provide a roadmap for better strategic communication.

Until recently, technological innovations have been viewed almost exclusively as positive social change. The global spread of the internet, smartphones, the use of GMO technology, the sharing economy and industrial robots have been greatly welcome. Not so much any more.

Societies' relation to technology is changing as unemployment, threat to incumbent professions, and fear of sophisticated biotech is increasing.

Companies and innovators must address the impact their technology brings to society. Modernity is no longer viewed as universally positive: a backlash, pushback or restrictions, whether in the form of protectionist trade policy, unions, legal bans or consumer distrust is now all too common.

By analyzing what Uber, AirBNB, biotech and chemical companies have missed, I bring actionable, positive ideas and risk communication techniques that you can build into your corporate strategy to make sure your innovation is not feared but accepted, liked, and shared.