Consumers would rather have technology to help protect the planet, such as EVs, than headline-grabbing services such as sending tourists into space.

More than a third of people are excited about future EV innovation, particularly when it comes to increased battery life & use of eco-materials in building cars

Research conducted by Expleo, which provides digital transformation services, found that 43% of British consumers care more about technology that can reduce carbon emissions and remove plastics from the oceans, than space travel or house robots.

The report, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults, also found 41% of people specified that they would like to see an advance in renewable energies over the next decade. Smart meters – which by law, will be in every home come 2024 – were praised by over 80% of people for adding value to their lives, due to their long-term potential to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions through better energy management.

And more than a third of people are excited about future electric vehicle innovation, particularly when it comes to increased battery life and use of eco-materials in building cars.

But just 15% of people surveyed expressed an interest in space tourism, and even fewer (11%) said that they want to see robotics carrying out domestic chores in their homes in the next decade. Only 19% of respondents are optimistic about the prospect of self-driving vehicles, but slightly more (22%) said they’d be open to introducing more smart technologies, such as voice assistants, into their homes.

Stephen Magennis, UK quality MD at Expleo, said: “The results of our research suggest that consumers are keen to see technology being used to improve society as a whole and not just bring comfort in our life. This topic is not new, but I think that the coronavirus pandemic has opened many people’s eyes to the transformative role technology can play in solving real-world problems, whether that’s streamlining the transition to remote working or accelerating innovation in the medical sector.

“Today’s businesses should not ignore this or they could face serious backlash from their consumers. More than ever, they need to focus on green technology and innovation to positively influence the planet. It is particularly true for businesses in the energy and mobility sectors: reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption, or driving electric vehicles, are top of consumers’ minds.”