Greens, often unjustly accused of resisting scientific research and technological progress, view innovation differently from other parties. Greens consider the Precautionary Principle — in short: “First, do no harm” — as the bedrock principle that should guide technological progress. As a result, Greens oppose nuclear technology and genetic manipulation of organisms as dangerous. Greens will always have a view of technological innovation that is different from conventional political forces.

The 21st century will continue the rapid technological innovation of the preceding century. We will certainly face further steps in biotechnology including genetic engineering and cloning; in communication, computing and artificial intelligence; in energy technologies; development of new materials; nanotechnologies; transport including space transport; and in many other fields.

Greens recognize the value and inevitability of technological innovation but insist on assessing such innovation from the perspective of its social, ethical and environmental impact as prescribed by the Precautionary Principle. Further, Greens promote direct dialogue between scientists and the public and equal participation of women in science and technology.
Greens support basic scientific inquiry, but the role of social and environmental considerations should be largely emphasized. Research efforts to improve clean and renewable energy production, to increase the productivity of organic agriculture or to develop pollution-free engines, can count on the full support of the Greens.

Massive funding should not go exclusively to pharmaceutical development and other "end of the pipe" treatment while precautionary research is marginalized. Much more research funding should be devoted to public health and preventive medicine for toxicological and epidemiological studies on the complex causes of many "modern" industrial diseases. Research on pandemics and illnesses that affect populations worldwide and especially poorer countries should be funded more generously.
Climate change, the study of crop predators, social issues such as poverty, cultural clashes, conflict prevention, and a lot of others issues largely neglected by the present scientific policies, should be up-graded and receive more investment.

Greens will promote the creation of an independent, multidisciplinary United Nations Global Research and Ethics Council. In consultation with other UN organizations and NGOs, this council will be mandated to prepare recommendations for decision-makers that prioritise human needs over corporate needs.