Organization of Research, Development, and Production in the Soviet Computer Industry

An examination of Soviet computer research and development; the problems that plague the industry and the ways in which the government and Party have attempted to cope with them; and the constraints, incentives, and feedback mechanisms of the system acquisition process as they operate in a closely controlled, bureaucratic structure. The author describes the origins and characteristics of the Soviet computer industry, traces the attempts of the Party and government to intervene in the industry, and analyzes the effects of this intervention. The main research and design institutes are discussed in terms of each institute's relationship to its governing ministry. More than 25 production facilities are identified and described with respect to age and importance, machines and equipment produced, and the role of each within the general scheme of the Soviet computer industry. The author concludes that the industry's problems are too deep-seated for quick solution; major changes must be made in both the industry and the bureaucracy that controls it.