The scientific-technological revolution and world energy

The scientific-technological revolution (STR) is the process in which science becomes a direct productive force and production changes radically in quality; it began in the 1950s–1960s. Its features are the wide use of computers and robots, automation of production, laser technology, peaceful use of nuclear energy and space exploration. New fields – biotechnology and nanotechnology – appeared, and today artificial intelligence and digital technologies are being added. The STR raised labour productivity and helped save raw materials and energy (for example, a large share of steel is made from scrap), while artificial materials (rubber, polymers) replaced costly natural raw materials. Knowledge-intensive industries are electrical engineering and microelectronics, aerospace, robotics and medicine production; the USA, China, Japan, Germany and the Republic of Korea lead them. Most research funding comes from developed countries, which spend several percent of GDP on science. The STR increased the role of services and sped up the move to a post-industrial economy.