An expert investigates Russia's long history of technological invention followed by commercial failure and points to new opportunities to break the pattern. When have you gone into an electronics store; picked up a desirable gadget; and found that it was labeled "Made in Russia"? Probably never. Russia; despite its epic intellectual achievements in music; literature; art; and pure science; is a negligible presence in world technology. Despite its current leaders' ambitions to create a knowledge economy; Russia is economically dependent on gas and oil. In Lonely Ideas; Loren Graham investigates Russia's long history of technological invention followed by failure to commercialize and implement.For three centuries; Graham shows; Russia has been adept at developing technical ideas but abysmal at benefiting from them. From the seventeenth-century arms industry through twentieth-century Nobel-awarded work in lasers; Russia has failed to sustain its technological inventiveness. Graham identifies a range of conditions that nurture technological innovation: a society that values inventiveness and practicality; an economic system that provides investment opportunities; a legal system that protects intellectual property; a political system that encourages innovation and success. Graham finds Russia lacking on all counts. He explains that Russia's failure to sustain technology; and its recurrent attempts to force modernization; reflect its political and social evolution and even its resistance to democratic principles.But Graham points to new connections between Western companies and Russian researchers; new research institutions; a national focus on nanotechnology; and the establishment of Skolkovo; "a new technology city." Today; he argues; Russia has the best chance in its history to break its pattern of technological failure.
#5091290 in Books David Barry Gaspar 1997-03-22 1997-03-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.22 x 6.12l; 1.41 #File Name: 0253332478280 pagesA Turbulent Time The French Revolution and the Greater Caribbean
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A great start to undrestanding how the French Revolution impacted the CaribbeanBy Lehigh History StudentThis book covers the effects of the French Revolution on the Caribbean and how it affected movements for independence later on. In addition to covering the larger islands like Hati and Santo Domingo it also covers smaller ones such as St. Lucia and mainland USA. Both Spanish Florida and Louisiana are covered in their moves from slave holding territories to a part of the United States still holding slaves. Some of the racial tensions that were prevalent throughout the time are clearly shown in the contrasts between the various classes and races on the islands. The multitude of authors who contribute are all fine scholars and do an excellent job of conveying their areas of expertise. For those looking to get a start on understanding how the French Revolution put the Caribbean on the path to modernity this is the best place to start.
