For many years the worlds of science and business have been seen as separate entities. Scientists were seen as individuals solely dedicated to expanding the boundaries of knowledge whereas business professionals are responsible for transforming that research into new products and services. In order to boost the pace of innovation, more emphasis is being put on bridging the gap between these two fields.
This is particularly true in scientific fields like medicine, where the capacity to make sound decisions under pressure is crucial to be successful. But it also true in more applied fields like engineering, agronomy or computer science. In the latter, a high level of mastery of problem-solving and the ability to think seriously about alternative solutions can determine the success or failure of an enterprise.
The scientific method is widely believed to be the most effective approach for companies. This means that you are willing to test and iterate in order to achieve the desired outcomes. Furthermore a thorough knowledge of risk and uncertainty is essential.
While there is some overlap between science and business but there are significant differences. For instance, whereas business speaks of sustainable profits, science concentrates on sustainability in terms of resource usage. Profit-seeking may lead to excessive use and exhaustion of a resource.
In the end, whether you choose to pursue an academic career or business both require dedication and effort. But if you have the right attitude the rewards can be great.