Gertrude E. Schroeder

The Slowdown in Soviet Industry, 1976–1982

Growth rates of industrial production in the USSR have been falling since 1950, and the drop was especially large in 1976–1982. The falloff was associated with a pronounced deterioration in factor productivity. The most important explanatory factors seem to have been the economys unfavorable response to a major cutback in the growth ot investment, unexpected shortages ot key raw materials and energy, and transportation bottlenecks. Mistakes in investment policy seem to have been responsible for many of these difficulties. The secular decline in industrial growth probably will continue since the causes of the slowdown are imbedded in the system of socialist central planning and systemic reform is not likely. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: 052, 113, 124.

Dimensions of Russia's Industrial Transformation, 1992 to 1998: An Overview

A prominent Western authority on economic affairs in the former Soviet Union examines major dimensions of Russias industrial transformation since 1991, focusing on changes in production volume, structure, and organization (e.g., property ownership). An initial section analyzes the dynamics of output, employment, and investment in major industrial branches and presents estimates of factor productivity, followed by an assessment of organizational change (e.g., privatization, joint-venture activity). Coverage then focuses on regional differences in industrial transformation as reflected in such indices as growth in number of enterprises, public-private shares of ownership, and growth in number of foreign-participant firms. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: L60, L70, O40, O50. 7 tables, 56 references.

Economic Reform of Socialism: The Soviet Record

For more than three decades, the Soviet Union has been engaged in an almost continuous process of reforming the centrally planned economy inherited from Stalin. The objective of the reform programs of all Soviet leaders from Khrushchev to Gorbachev has been to make the economy more efficient and responsive to consumer wants, while retaining its socialist character. The reforms made by Khrushchev and Brezhnev came to naught, because they left the essential features of the Stalinist economic system in place. Although Gorbachevs reforms enlarge the scope for the private sector, they, too, leave much of the old system in place. Far more radical moves toward privatization and marketization will be required to achieve the goal of creating a socialist regulated market economy that can satisfy consumers and keep up with the West.

1987 Panel on the Soviet Economic Outlook: Perceptions on a Confusing Set of Statistics

Results of the second meeting of a panel of distinguished specialists who review annually Soviet economic performance are presented in the form of proceedings interwoven with tabular material, references, and occasional abstracts. Because of serious inconsistences and discrepancies in official Soviet statistical data for the year 1986, a debate on the quality of Soviet economic statistics is included in the review of performance. PlanEcon estimates are compared with those of the CIA. Also discussed are perspectives on agriculture and industry and prospects for 1987. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: 052, 124, 221.

Gorbachev: “Radically” Implementing Brezhnev's Reforms

Prospects for realization of the current round of economic reforms proposed by the new Soviet leadership are critically analyzed in light of the fate of similar measures embodied in the 1965 (Brezhnev/Kosygin) reforms. Levels of genuine restructuring incorporated in the present reforms are thought to be inadequate to support the major objectives of steamlining decision making and increasing autonomy at the enterprise level. As in the past, policy changes (now embodied in the labor discipline campaign) rather than reforms per se will be relied upon to provide much of the improvement in economic performance. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: 052, 113, 124.

The 19th Conference of the CPSU: A Soviet Economy Roundtable

The 19th Conference of the Communist Party, convened in Moscow on June 28, 1988, is analyzed by eight Western observers. The discussion covers events leading up to the conference, such as the election of delegates, General Secretary Gorbachevs objectives, his influence and the significance of his compromises. It then proceeds to analyze the agenda and offers an overview with a focus on organization, the invigorated Soviets and selected political and economic implications. In addition to Gorbachevs opening address, special attention is given to the speech by Academician Abalkin and to Gorbachevs cryptic reaction to Abalkins exposition of the state of economic affairs. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: 052, 124, 113.

Gorbachev's Economic Reform: A Soviet Economy Roundtable

The proceedings of a panel of American specialists devoted to the recent economic reform are summarized. The panelists noted that the most substantial changes to date have accompanied efforts to restructure the decisionmaking hierarchy—in particular, a recentralization of authority through the creation of biuros and state committees and legislation on individual economic activity. Changes in the systems of economic planning and incentives, on the other hand, have been minor, suggesting a continuing debate over the extent to which price reform and various economic incentives should be implemented. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: 052, 113, 124.

Observations on Economic Reform in the Successor States

A prominent Western expert on economic affairs of the former Soviet Union provides an overview of the current state of economic reform in the area. The survey covers each of the 15 new states that emerged in 1991 after the disintegration of the old regime, emphasizing accomplishments and progress in 1992 and 1993 rather than problems that impede transition to market-oriented economies. Based on systematic perusal of the available local and Western data, as well as on other sources of information, the author identifies the basic similarities and differences in the reform process among the individual republics as well as their relevant geographic aggregations (e.g., Baltics, Western states, Transcaucasia, Central Asia). The overview embraces developments in late 1993. 23 references.

The Aftermath of the 19th Conference of the CPSU: A Soviet Economy Roundtable

The aftermath of the 19th Conference of the Communist Party, held in Moscow from June 28 to July 1, 1988, is analyzed by eight Western observers. The discussion covers impacts of the Conference on Soviet society and abroad, General Secretary Gorbachevs speech at the Central Committee Plenum on July 29, 1988, and reviews results of his policies since 1985. It proceeds to look at the current transitional period of Soviet reforms, including the formation of new enterprise forms and horizontal links in the economy. Finally, the discussants view prospects for political and economic development in the future. journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: 052, 124, 113.