Soviet Computers and Cybernetics: Shortcomings and Military Applications.

In this paper the author traces the development of the Soviet computer industry along with its problems and shortcomings as discussed in the Soviet press. The major shortcomings noted tend to concentrate on organizational matters as opposed to hardware production. Nevertheless, the paper shows that a technology gap exists. A discussion of Soviet military applications of computers and cybernetics is presented to demonstrate the interests of the USSR in this field. The author concludes that the Soviets have so far been ineffectual in dealing with many of their problems. He also concludes that the Soviets have abandoned independent development and resigned themselves to following the US lead in order to close the gap. Author