The second Next Generations Study reveals a striking insight: only 6% of young Europeans want their country’s future to be defined primarily by technological progress. Far from embracing a tech-driven utopia, most young people prioritize other visions for society.
"This does not mean they reject innovation. On the contrary, technological innovation is welcomed when it serves social and ecological transformation. For Europe’s youth, technology is a tool for positive change, not an end in itself."— Dr. Marc Calmbach, Co-Author and Managing Director at SINUS-Institut
Tech Optimists accept potential trade-offs such as:
The second Next Generations Study shows that enthusiasm for a tech-driven future is remarkably low and consistent across political and national lines. This vision appeals to just 6% of respondents across the five countries Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Spain.
By ideology, support is minimal: Left (5%), Centre (5%), Right (7%), with no major differences. Country-level figures tell the same story: Germany (6%), France (6%), Poland (6%), Spain (5%), Italy (4%). This data speaks for a generation that values technology only when it serves broader social and ecological goals.
Nearly half of young Europeans support “Made-in-Europe” tech initiatives. By contrast, only a little over one-quarter prefer relying on foreign tech solutions to avoid financial risks.
of young Europeans favor pursuing technological sovereignty, even if it means higher costs and risky investments.
65% urge policymakers to take decisive steps towards ecological transformation and a rethinking of the prevailing paradigm of economic growth. Among them, the single most popular future scenario is Green Growth, backed by 20% of respondents. It prioritizes:
Trade-offs include higher taxes and slower processes, but young Europeans clearly favor sustainability and democratic involvement over tech dominance.
Despite low trust in the establishment, young people still want an active state. Although, nearly half (47%) of young Europeans feel a deep sense of political deprivation, many endorse strong government action to tackle problems: 44% want their country (and the EU) to take a global lead on climate change with more ambitious policies. Even among politically disengaged subgroups on the Right, a majority (52%) favor the government taking a central role in managing the economy.
"The myth of tech optimism obscures a critical insight: young Europeans are not blindly chasing innovation. They want futures rooted in social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and inclusive governance, not a world run by algorithms and corporations. "— Dr. Simon Morris-Lange, Head of Research, Allianz Foundation
