The study, conducted among Hungarians aged 16 to 75, found that respondents place human collaboration at the top of the list of factors shaping a happier future, followed closely by more responsible environmental and social decisions.

The data shows that “one and a half times as many people (64% vs. 41%) associate a happy future with cooperation among people than with the opportunities offered by technological development.” Women, young people, and those with higher education considered collaboration especially important.

The research outlines a vision of the future that aligns closely with areas Hungarians already view as essential — most notably clean green energy, the wider use of solar power, and the expansion of energy storage capacities. These are all areas in which E.ON, present in Hungary for 25 years and operating the electricity grid across Transdanubia, Pest County, and Budapest, is actively working today.

When asked which technological developments would most contribute to future well-being, most demographic groups ranked sustainable environmental and energy solutions first. These even slightly outranked innovations in healthcare and physiology. The majority see the success of the energy transition — and the switch to clean green energy — as indispensable for future security. More detailed analysis shows that respondents with higher education “clearly consider a responsible attitude toward the environment to be the key to a happy future.”

Renewables Seen as Basic Prequisite

Nearly half of respondents (47%) believe that the spread of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, is a basic prerequisite for a sustainable future, while another 21% associate sustainability with energy efficiency and changing our habits. Four out of ten Hungarians consider it possible that the country could fully transition to renewables by 2050.

Household self-sufficiency is most commonly linked to affordable solar panels and energy storage systems (37%). When asked specifically about climate protection, 28% named the faster introduction of renewable energy sources as a priority, while 22% pointed to changes in consumption habits. In terms of transport development, public transport ranked first with 35%, though 13% also mentioned electric vehicles.

The survey also explored cultural expectations. The findings indicate that the adult population has a clear cultural vision for a more harmonious life. The largest share of respondents (28%) expect support for “the preservation of traditional artistic forms and physical community spaces.” Many people (20%) would also strengthen the role of culture in education, most likely prioritizing traditional cultural forms, as only 5% said they would encourage “the integration of digital and AI-based culture.”

On the topic of artificial intelligence, respondents most frequently identified “responsible and transparent regulation” (28%) as a key goal for shaping the future, along with enhancing cooperation between humans and machines. A notable share (18%) also emphasized “retraining and ensuring opportunities for continuous learning.”

One of the survey’s important findings is that most people place financial security, work–life balance, and the strengthening of communities and human relationships above a safe and clean environment in their hierarchy of values. Financial well-being is most important for those farthest from it: “people with low incomes and those with primary education placed it in the first position.” By contrast, among university graduates and those who increasingly consider the interests of the next generations, “stronger communities and human relationships rise to the top of the ranking.”