A. Nikkonen – författare

The problems of converting military enterprises, in the former Soviet Union as well as in the rest of the world, have international significance, but at the same time, the economic impact of conversion, and the conditions under which it takes place are different for each country involved: no universal policies can be formulated. Defence industry conversion in Russia forms an integral component of the government`s economic reforms. How can the intellectual scientific and technological potential of the defence complex be preserved, allowing it to serve Russia now and in the future? The scale, terms and speed of conversion in the Russian Federation, and the absence of a market economy mean that it is impossible to make direct use of Western experience under Russian conditions. This text look at the implications of military enterprises around the world, with particular emphasis on the effects seen in industry.

Innovative actIvItIes on the development of which Russia puts its hopes for the preservation and successful reconstruction of the former USSR applied science are based on three key factors: funding, infrastructure and management. These factors are of equal significance, however, under today's economic conditions in Russian two latter ones become of critical importance. This determines the range of readers to whom the present book is addressed: - representatives of official institutions both Russian and international in charge of technological and scientific sphere reorganization, high-tech industry conversion, market transformations under transit economies; ~ Western experts, lecturers, consultants participating in the implementation of various bilateral and international programs according to the above mentioned directions; - Russian specialists establishing new high-tech enterprises and organizations and corresponding innovative infrastructure. This book brought to readers' attention includes edited presentations at NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) "Concept of Management Training for in High-Tech, Science and R&D" (1-5 July, 1996, St.Petersburg, Russia).

The concepts underlying management training differ widely between countries, as does the practice of the various management training centres in those countries. Modern management is also expected to be familiar with and to lead business entering and established in the high-tech and innovative sectors of the market. Add to this cluster the problems of managers in the companies of the former COMECON countries, and the reader will see that Management Training in High-Tech and R&D covers the most acute, leading edge developments in management training today.

Dear Reader, Before you begin to study this book please be aware of the complexity of the "Conversion of Military Enterprises in Russia", The question of conversion is not only a change of the market and products it is in the former socialist and now "on the way of privatisation" -countries a complete reorganisation of the social structure and companies. In the past a performance of the Russian armaments' industry was a continual source of surprise to experts. It was obvious that apart from civilian industry there must be areas where important technological expertise had been created and built up. Since 5 years, conversion of military enterprise has been the principal topic of numerous conferences and studies. State institutions and international organisations can promote and accelerate the exchange of information and the restructuring process. However, the success of this process ultimately depends on how the economy will accept this change and how far market economy forces-can develop it. The NATO Advanced Research Workshop "Conversion of Military Enterprises in Russia- A Practical Approach of Industry and Science" was an excellent possibility for all participants from NATO-countries and from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus to discuss experiences and results after 5 years of reform period, All participating scientists noticed this aspect was proud to participate in this NATO event.