The impact of conversion policy on society and technology in Russia

Abstract

The dynamics of government policy and the process of conversion of military technology in Russia in 1988-1997 are considered. The mutual influence of government policy, social and technological development in Russia is under investigation. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the realisation of Conversion Programmes and their influence on technological potential concentrated in the former defence complex. Space-launching is picked out as a specific area which exemplify the strength of Russian defence enterprises technology. Functioning of Russian-Western space joint ventures is specially analysed. There are some conclusions concerning the possibilities of the Russian integration into the world technological market. The results of original surveys (interviews and opinion polls) are also used in the research.