The re-emergence of Eastern European science and technology

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Technology in Society; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-791X(93)90021-F· OSTI ID:6866037

Weiss, C Jr

Economic competitiveness, and with it the survival of democracy in Eastern Europe, depends in large part on the ability of the region to manage technology for manufacturing exports. Most East European products are now oriented toward civilian and military needs of the former Soviet Union, and cannot now be sold anywhere. The communist system of central planning and soft budgets provided no incentive to manage technology or any other resource. Innovation was hampered by isolation from changes in world markets and technology, and by the separation of teaching, research, and production. Teaching was carried out on schools and universities, research in government institutes, and production in state-owned enterprises. Eastern European scientific and technological infrastructure is oversized, under-equipped, and politicized, but includes a strong nucleus which could be reformed and reoriented towards world markets. This process is beginning in several countries. But public support is lacking, as are funds for long-range investments. Strategic alliances are urgently needed with western firms and researchers with an understanding of world markets. 15 refs., 3 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 6866037
• Journal Information: Technology in Society; (United States), Journal Name: Technology in Society; (United States) Vol. 15:1; ISSN TESODY; ISSN 0160-791X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
ASIA
COOPERATION
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
EASTERN EUROPE
ECONOMIC IMPACT
EQUIPMENT
EUROPE
EXPORTS
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
MANUFACTURING
MILITARY EQUIPMENT
TECHNOLOGY IMPACTS
TRADE
USSR