Russia's Industrial Infrastructure: A Risk Assessment

Abstract

Reforms in the early to mid-1990s left the Russian economy with a dilapidated and poorly performing industrial infrastructure. This paper investigates the linkages between that declining infrastructure, major workplace accidents, and environmental quality across the Russian economy and in four major industry groups. It concludes by suggesting that the potential for future industrial performance in Russia will depend largely on the relationships between growth, capital investment, industry reform, and the development of a safety culture. Factors promoting and hindering near-term improvement in Russia's infrastructure and industrial safety record are discussed. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: L70, Q20, Q30. 2 tables, 51 references.