Statistical analyses focused on the difference in the contribution of scientific knowledge and technical expertise in promoting the wealth of nations, showed that both types of knowledge are tightly related to the wealth of nations, but in distinct ways. Scientific productivity correlates stronger with Gross National Income than technological sophistication; science is important for economic growth among developed economies, whereas technical complexity is more important for the economic development of poorer countries; and per capita scientific productivity seems to reach an upper limit in the most developed countries. The analysis shows trends that are not visible with classical regression analysis, suggesting the need of alternative ways to explore economic data.