Factors that Determined the USSR's Lag in the Development and Production of Computer Technology in the Early 1970s
( Pp. 105-113)
More about authors
Elena V. Bodrova
Dr. Sci. (Hist.), Professor, Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences; MIREA — Russian Technological University
«MIREA — Russian Technological University»
Moscow, Russian Federation Vyacheslav V. Kalinov Dr. Sci. (Hist.), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of History
National University of Oil and Gas «Gubkin University»
Moscow, Russian Federation
«MIREA — Russian Technological University»
Moscow, Russian Federation Vyacheslav V. Kalinov Dr. Sci. (Hist.), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of History
National University of Oil and Gas «Gubkin University»
Moscow, Russian Federation
Abstract:
The purpose of the publication is to analyze, on the basis of currently declassified archival documents, the situation with the production of computing equipment in the USSR in the early 1970s, and the main measures taken by the authorities in this area in order to overcome the backlog. The introduction of highly significant archival documents into scientific circulation also determines the novelty of the publication. It is proved that the data studied make it possible to state both the growing lag of the USSR in one of the key areas and the insufficient effectiveness of the measures taken. In the Soviet Union, the computer fleet was dominated by second-generation machines, and the country was a generation behind the global standard. It is concluded that the planned funds allocated to solve the emerging problems were insufficient. The EC computer was created by copying the structure, language, and software of the IBM 360 computer, which was developed in 1962–1965. The reasons include planning errors, insufficient resources, reduced funding, and changes in priorities. Meanwhile, the ruling circles of Western European countries and Japan viewed the achievement of independence in the field of computer technology as a crucial prerequisite for bridging the technological gap between the United States and these countries.
How to Cite:
Bodrova, E.V., Kalinov, V.V. (2026). Factors that Determined the USSR's Lag in the Development and Production of Computer Technology in the Early 1970s. History and Modern Perspectives, 8(2), 105-113. 10.33693/2658-4654-2026-8-2-105-113. EDN: QPBWAO
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Krainova I.A., Kupershtok N.A. The USSR Academy of Sciences in Projects for the Development of Computer Technology: An Impetus for Development. Ural Historical Bulletin. 2024. No. 4. Pp. 145–154. (in Rus.). DOI: 10.30759/1728-9718-2024-4(85)-145-154.
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Prokhorov S.P. The Founding Contribution of the Academy of Sciences to the Development of Computer Science and Computer Technologies. Bulletin of the Russian Academy of Sciences. 2023. Vol. 93. No. 10. Pp. 980–988. (in Rus.). DOI: 10.31857/S0869587323100092.
Easterly W., Fischer S. The Soviet Economic Decline. World Bank Economic Review. 1995. Vol. 9. Pp. 341–371.
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Malia M. The soviet tragedy: history of Socializm in Russia. 1917–1991. New York: The Free Press, 1994. 592 p.
Gerovitch S. InterNyet: Why the Soviet Union Did Not Build a Nationwide Computer Network. History and Technology. 2008. Vol. 24. Pp. 335–350.
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Keywords:
computer technology, technological backwardness, USSR, USA, public policy, efficiency, results..
