The starting point for the discussions at this event was scientific method, with an emphasis on the complex and often problematic interaction of the “exact” sciences with politics and, more particularly, with the media – an indispensable vehicle for getting through to the general public and hence, indirectly, to leaders. It was stressed that complete adherence by physicists and biologists to professional ethics is essential if knowledge is to be used properly in addressing many social and economic problems. This is increasingly the case given the direct impact that new technologies can have on the lives of individuals and communities. At the same time, however, many participants highlighted that the political sphere and society need to get used to the fact that science is not always able to provide definitive answers, let alone infallible remedies.
The discussion also considered the specific role of religion in dealing with the implications of scientific progress. Here too, it was felt the main prerequisite for transparent and well-informed decisions seems to be mutual respect between distinct fields. It was observed, however, that the debate on many ethically sensitive issues today is not framed in terms of “faith versus reason”, but rather of different forms of rationality. This is also due to the continuous evolution of scientific approaches, as demonstrated, for instance, by the move towards a quantum view of physical phenomena and by the new “holistic” approach adopted in the field of genetics.
With respect to strategies aimed at dealing with energy and climate issues, it was noted that many of these clearly go hand-in-hand, including the development of new technologies, the allocation of substantial financial resources by the private sector, and crucial policy choices made by national governments. There was wide consensus among the participants on the need for short- and medium-term strategies focused on energy conservation and efficiency (based on technologies that are already available), together with significant investment capable of producing a real technological “leap forward”. In the interim, it was envisaged that the global natural gas market, in particular, will be radically changed by the discovery of new gas reserves (even outside North America), the exploitation of which has become advantageous. It was conceded, however, that this will not prevent certain major emerging countries from exploiting their vast coal reserves for several years to come, with negative environmental consequences.
In relation to the issue of nuclear energy, there was a greater divergence of opinion among the participants. However, even in this area, it was felt that there is a reasonable prospect of significant advances being made in coming years, which may even prove revolutionary.
For their part, the defense and space industries have historically acted as major driving forces for innovation, especially in the United States. The growing importance of “dual-use” technologies (with civilian and military applications) is increasingly compelling political authorities to treat these areas as national priorities, even as consolidation continues with a view to achieving the necessary critical mass in an industry where there are few key multinational players, who do not necessarily meet the demands of any individual government. It was noted, however, that despite the great interest shown in introducing new technologies in the defense sector, the actual phasing in of highly innovative equipment is slower and more gradual than is often anticipated due to the continuing importance of human and cultural input.
Finally, in analyzing the Italian situation in light of international “best practices”, the participants considered the various organizational factors that facilitate scientific advancement, including: the balance between basic and applied research, the different contributions of major laboratories and consortia compared to small independent laboratories, funding mechanisms (both public and private) for research, the business environment as an accelerator of innovation, and higher education as an indispensable platform for advanced scientific endeavors. The participants concluded that whilst the situation in Italy certainly needs to be considered within the European context, there are some specific and particularly critical problems which characterize the country. It was felt that only by pooling national skills, and by making the most of Italian talent already well-established abroad, can the Italian economy be brought in step with the major innovation processes underway.
