Operations Research: Science or Technology? Why is it important?

The current investigates the debate of OR as a science or technology. Operations Research is a set of methods (methodologies) with the aim of improving decision making in organizations and hence is of great importance in both academic and practical fields in the entire world. The main question of the paper is that why such a debate is important? Does it make any difference realizing OR as science or technology in its aim of improving decision making in organizations? If it makes any difference، what it will be? This paper first reviews the evidence of the parties in conflict and then analyses the importance of considering or as a science/technology and its implications in the future of the discipline. Finally some recommendation is presented for the policy makers of the science and technology in Iran.