Key Concepts in Science, Technology, and Innovation History

Defining Science and Its Characteristics

What is Science?

Science, in the broadest sense, refers to a system of objective knowledge. In a narrower sense, science is a system of acquiring knowledge using the scientific method, as well as an organized body of knowledge gained through this type of research.

Characteristics of Science

The defining characteristics of science include:

• Factual: Science describes the facts as they are.
• Transcendence of Facts: It uses facts to produce new facts and explain them.
• Analytical: Science tries to discover the elements of each whole and the interconnections that explain their integration.
• Specialized: This characteristic results from the analytical approach.
• Clear and Precise: Science provides clarity and precision, which is necessary because common sense can often be confusing.

Understanding Technology

What is Technology?

Technology is defined as the set of knowledge and techniques, applied in a logical and orderly manner, that enable humans to modify their virtual or physical environment to meet their needs. It is a combined process of thought and action used to create useful solutions.

General Characteristics of Technology

Technology has several general characteristics, including:

• Specialization
• Integration
• Discontinuity
• Change

Innovation Spotlight: Translucent Concrete

Translucent Concrete was invented in 2005 by Joel Sosa and Sergio Galvan. It has the property of being translucent and stronger than conventional concrete.

Patents and Intellectual Property Rights

What is a Patent?

A patent protects the features and processes that make things work. This legal protection allows inventors to profit from their inventions.

Requirements for Patenting an Invention

To be patented, an invention must meet several criteria:

• It must be functional.
• It must be new (novel).
• It must have an inventive step (non-obvious).
• It must have an industrial use.

Unpatentable Subject Matter

Examples of things you generally cannot get a patent for include:

• A scientific or mathematical discovery.
• A literary, dramatic, or musical artistic work (these are protected by copyright).
• An animal or plant variety.

Cost of Patenting in the UK

In the UK, the cost to patent an invention normally ranges around 230–280 Euros (depending on the specific application process).

Milestones in Innovation History

First Practical Application of Electricity

The first practical application of electricity was The Telegraph, invented by Samuel Morse.

Year the Telephone was Patented

Alexander Graham Bell built and patented the first telephone capable of transmitting and receiving human voice quality and tone in 1876.

Pioneer of Mass Production

The American businessman, founder of Ford Motor Company, and sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique for mass production was Henry Ford.

First Powered, Sustained Flight

The individuals who achieved the first powered and sustained flight with pilot control in the Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903, were The Wright Brothers (Wilbur and Orville Wright).