Question

2.Define in detail the terms science and technology. How are these terms different, similar and what is the connection between them? Define in detail the terms invention and innovation. Are there any differences, similarities and connection between them? Why? As part of your description include an example of each type.

Answer 1

Science is knowing, technology is doing. Science can broadly be defined as the study of "things" such as: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Genetics, Geology, Psychology, Sociology, and other fields of study that analyze interactions, behaviors, physical properties, effects, causes, etc. in order to rationalize or establish given properties, behaviors and interactions about such "things". The basis of Science is the conducting of experiments. Basically, a theory is made (stated), analysis and testing are performed with the use of various controls, and when a specific, measurable result occurs and can be reproduced or proven time and time again, the theory then becomes Scientific law or a truism of sorts.

Technology refers generally to items of use, created from "Applied Science". A good example of this is the production of Solar panels. Solar Panels are used in a variety of different technologies, but the simplest example is a Solar Powered Calculator. It was proposed long ago that the Sun emits 2 types of energy, heat energy, and light energy. The Sun's heat energy is what warms the Earth's atmosphere so that life as we know it can exist, by warming the atmosphere to a tolerable temperature that the Human Body can function in.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Science is the discovery and study of the phenomena AND Technology is using the phenomena.

For example:

Science: finds that when a current is passed through a wire that’s in a magnetic field, a lateral force is generated.

F = i * l x b

Technology: F = i * l x b … builds an electric motor.

INVENTION AND INNOVATION

Invention is the creation of a new process, product or service. It's the practical manifestation/outcome of ideation.

Innovation is when an invention is adopted and fundamentally changes the way that we do something. There is no Innovation without adoption. Innovation is disruptive. It changes the landscape in some basic way.

All Inventions are Innovations but not all Innovations are Inventions, and therein lies the difference. The key distinction to be borne in mind is that while Innovation is a process of solving an unresolved problem (adding value); an Invention is a novel and inventive solution to the problem.

Look at Apple for instance.

The company is acknowledged to be innovative. Their customer service, products, marketing, packaging and even their finance options/programs (iPhone Upgrade Program) are all innovative.

Each of the above adds value to their products in their own right, yet not each of them in an invention. A brilliant and innovative marketing campaign is not an invention. The concept of having a Genius Bar in each store may be very innovative and of great economic significance to the company or the customer, but isn't an invention. A new mobile purchase plan, however ingenious and of great economic significance to the company (or customer) it may be, is not an invention.

Innovation begins when the problem solver identifies a problem worth solving and applies his mind towards working out a solution. Innovation then takes either the form of 'Jugaad' or 'Systematic Innovation' in reaching the optimum solution. The process that is Innovation ends with the optimum solution being given a form, either as a device or a process.

If said optimum solution satisfies the requisite qualities of being an 'Invention', namely novelty, inventiveness and usefulness, the solution is classified as an 'Invention', else the optimum solution may simply be called an innovative solution.