Еще раз по поводу научно-технического прогресса и преимуществах социализма

Abstract

The article contains a commentary on the publication of G. A. Maslov «Scientific and technological progress and the advantages of socialism: the evolution of Soviet Economic thought» (Bulletin of the Moscow State University, Series 6. Economics, No. 3, 2021). Against the current difficulties in implementing national projects (criticism of their implementation was voiced at SPIEF-2019 and continues today), the publication of materials praising the organization of scientific and technological progress during the construction of the material and technical base of communism seems a nostalgic appeal. The glorification of real achievements does not raise protest. What is unacceptable is to silence equally evident failures. Here we mean the resolution «On the development of computer hardware production» (#1180-420) adopted at the meeting of the Communist party Politburo and the USSR Council of Ministers on December 30, 1967, which entailed the destruction of the Soviet industry that produced computer equipment for civil needs. This decision resulted in the replacement of Soviet-made computers with obsolete models of the largest US companies. We are still trying to correct the effect of this strategic mistake, but to recognize and, most importantly, draw necessary lessons both from the wrong decision and the accompanying processes is vital for successful implementation of today's national projects, primarily the Digital Economy Agenda.