The Situation in Germany is characterized by the phenomenon of important core sectors of promising branches of industry, some of them with a pronounced high-tech share, such as genetic engineering, leaving the country, or certain technologies not even being introduced. This is due, among other reasons, to the steadily worsening boundary conditions for industry and for the research establishments engaged in high technology. The restrictions piled up in the country, such as exaggerated conditions imposed by authorities, lengthy licensing procedures, possibilities for mem+bers of the public affected in intervene, have been developed in the existing social system, specifically by the government, the politicians, and the voters who, ultimately, represent the people. This change became possible only after large parts of the public had undergone a change of mentality expressed especially in a negative, even hostile, attitude towards technology. One possible way out of this unsatisfactory state of affairs is for the members of the institutions concerned to recognize and accept their responsibilities. take the initiative, and actively influence the social system individually and through suitable joint measures. Once arguments of fact have been disseminated, this may help a social consensus to be found, the public attitude to technology to undergo a positive change and, at the same time, the acceptance of technology and thus also of high technology to be improved.
