I think that the critics choice of a "scifi" category is an attempt to reduce the influence of the novel. In the minds of some Scifi is not a serious literary category.

I never looked AS as sci-fi. The tech advancements were used as a vehicle to exemplify her philosophy. It's actually odd for me to learn AS is considered sci-fi.

Science fiction is known for offering social and economic commentary.

Hi Freedomforall,
One thing that the collectivists do very well is label. They use it to stifle dissent and avoid a losing discussion. Examples of the labeling, bigot,
Racist, Homophobe, islamaphobe, conspiracy kook, 1%er, basket of deplorables, I have heard "old white guy" frequently since Obama reign.

The Electrostatic Engine, Rearden Metal, Project Xylophone, The Gulch Stealth Screen, etc. These technological story elements do not actually exist, but could come to be in some form or another.

So Rand cast Atlas Shrugged in the realm of Science Fiction, but yes, it is obviously social and ecomomic commentary as well.

Those doing the labeling are biased?