Fundamental Reorganization in Scientific Administration

Abstract

The system of science in the former Soviet Union was based on a command administration that centralized decision making at government ministries. In 1987, the government introduced the new system of khozraschet, or accountability, granting a greater degree of administrative freedom to research institutes but obligating them to take responsibility for financing their activities. In a 1991 survey, scientists at three Moscow research and development institutes expressed a high degree of support for the administrative changes. The study of the three institutes revealed that major structural alterations had already taken place. By the beginning of 1996, many of the expectations for improved conditions had not been fulfilled, as a high degree of instability became evident in the Russian scientific system. The Russian example demonstrates the need for balance in institutional arrangements to advance science: change must provide solutions to all system problems or else substantial damage can be done to the scientific enterprise.