The Cause of Russian Technological Backwardness Is in Minds of People but not in Machines

Abstract

The cause of technological backwardness of the Russian industry is in the minds of people but not in machines and plants - says the head of the Russian-German engineering firm which is on the high-tech equipment market for over a decade. For the fat years (prosperous years) and due to the active governmental support, the country imported a lot of first-rate equipment, which were used by 30-50% of their potential at the best case. The reason is a lack of a skilled staff - both workers and engineers. It is the point where the reserves of higher labor productivity should be sought. The author, in his interview with EKO, shared his thoughts on professional training for industry, import substitution, and governmental industrial policy.