The development of the Soviet machine tool industry, 1917-1941

Cooper, Julian M (1975). The development of the Soviet machine tool industry, 1917-1941. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The thesis is devoted to an examination of the creation and development of the Soviet machine tool industry in the inter-War years. It opens with a brief review of the low level of machine tool building: before the October Revolution, and then considers the revival and changing priorities of the industry during the 1920s. After a review of the intensive development of the branch during the first three Five-year Plans, particular aspects are considered in detail. The overall, strategy of the industry, involving decisions relating to production specialisation and technology , is analysed, together with a study of the role of process and parts specialisation. A major problem facing the industry was that of the choice of machine tool technology; this question is examined in detail, and followed by a consideration of the influence of technical progress and the creation of a research and development system in the branch. The limited role of foreign technical assistance and the much greater role of imports are discussed. Further chapters are devoted to the problems of developing a skilled labour force and of building new enterprises. It is concluded that the development of the Soviet machine tool industry was on the whole a successful achievement, offering some lessons for present-day developing countries.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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