Science, technology and invention all represent an incredible successively bigger category of human undertakings that are highly dependent but vastly different. Science represents the general laws of nature upon which we all operate. Technology on the other hand, refers to the application of these laws to the creation of practical effect. Science and technology are related most closely in the area of research. The former is the descriptive term used by scientists to describe their results and theories, while the latter is the more specific term for the actual accomplishments of scientific research. Science and technology are interconnected in many ways, though some relationships tend to be more important than others.
During the first half of the 20th century, there was a great debate and controversy as to whether or not there were two separate fields or rather a single field that represented all aspects of science, technology and invention. Science has been divided into three main categories, including Physics, Chemistry and Biology, whereas technology is commonly described as the application of scientific methods and scientific discoveries to solve specific practical problems. Science and technology studies have also repeatedly demonstrated that technological innovations have led to greater levels of knowledge, which in turn, has resulted in a wider range of technological options, which in turn, has led to even more rapid and profound changes in society, particularly in the economic, business and political arenas. There has been much debate as to how this ongoing progress is influencing the United States, globally, with some arguing that we are currently seeing a decline in international intellectual property laws that once existed to protect the interests of science and technology studies and research.
There are now numerous organizations, such as the World Bank, the United Nations and the Federal Reserve that have been established to support and promote scientific research and development worldwide. One example of these organizations is The Nobel Prize Foundation that was established in awarding the most promising individuals for their contributions to science and technology. In recent years a number of books have been released by prominent scientists and a new literary magazine, wrote by celebrated author-turned-entrepreneur-scientist turned former chief executive officer of Amazon, Jeff Bezos. This book focuses on how the current surge in interest in science and technology can be harnessed to create a more equitable world.