2.1. The Indispensable Nature of S&T in Daily Life and National Development

In the contemporary world, the role of science and technology has become truly indispensable. We encounter its influence in nearly every sphere of our lives, from the advanced medical treatments used to fight diseases like cancer to the simple convenience of booking a travel ticket with a few clicks. Without the integration of science and technology, modern life as we know it would be unimaginable.

One of the most vital functions of S&T is its capacity to solve complex problems that act as major bottlenecks to a nation’s growth. A country’s developmental trajectory is often determined by its ability to leverage S&T to address foundational and structural challenges.

Foundational Societal Challenges

At the most basic level, S&T provides critical solutions for improving the quality of life for a nation’s citizens. This includes advancements in public health, new pedagogical tools to raise education standards, and innovations in agriculture and water purification to ensure the availability of healthy food and safe drinking water.

Addressing Under-development

Conversely, a lack of development in scientific research and technology directly correlates with national under-development. This deficiency impacts a country’s economy, its infrastructure, and the quality of its higher education systems. Nations that fail to invest in S&T often find themselves unable to compete on the global stage.

Advancement across a spectrum of strategic technological fields—including nuclear technology, defense, satellite communications, biotechnology, meteorological science, space technology, nanotechnology, and wireless communication—creates favorable conditions for robust national growth. It not only builds domestic capacity but also fosters healthy competition, both within the country and on the international stage. Indeed, the level of S&T development has become a primary metric for classifying nations as developed, developing, or underdeveloped. Recognizing this, responsible governments establish dedicated departments and allocate significant budgets specifically for the promotion of science and technology.

This national development is powered by specific forms of knowledge that S&T helps cultivate.

2.2. The Nature of Scientific and Technological Knowledge

For a country to achieve comprehensive development, two distinct but complementary types of knowledge are required:

1. Technical Knowledge: Often described simply as “know-how,” this is the practical knowledge required to execute tasks and create products. It encompasses a wide range of skills, from developing advanced agricultural techniques and chemical industry processes to engineering new medical technologies and software systems.
2. Understanding of Attributes and Elements: This refers to a deeper, more qualitative understanding of the factors that drive success. It includes knowledge of the intelligence and skill of the workforce, the determinants of product quality, the true value of a firm, and the effectiveness of its market strategy.

A deficiency in either of these areas leads to what can be termed a “knowledge gap” or “information deficiency.” When key attributes—such as product quality or workforce skill—are uncompetitive, it is a direct sign of under-development. Science and technology are therefore directly related to a nation’s overall progress, acting as a platform for competition, innovation, and ultimately, a better quality of life. By addressing the basic problems of food, water, health, and education, S&T provides the foundation upon which a prosperous society can be built.