ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the impact that the mathematical revolution in Soviet economics has had on the planning and operation of the Soviet economy. It gives a brief picture of the present Soviet system of constructing and implementing an overall economic plan. The chapter explains the possible ways in which the system could use mathematical techniques in economic planning and control. It discusses what uses Soviet economists have made so far, in actual practice, of these techniques; the impression is one of slower progress than was expected. The chapter suggests some reasons for this divergence between hopes and reality. It focuses on the compatibility, in Soviet economics, of the new scientific approaches and ideology. Soviet economists construct a number of different types of economic plans, the most important of which are: a long-term plan, for five years, and a short-term plan, for one year.
