ABSTRACT
The Soviet Union created an impressive but also contradictory system of education and science. Tremendous resources were devoted to priority programs, but the achievements were often formal. The result after 70 years was a system reflecting the economy and society: an extensive network of educational and scientific institutions, only a limited number of which were of high quality or generated substantial returns. Since the late 1950s, reform of the education and science systems has been a constant topic of discussion.
Following the initiation of perestroika, reform efforts became more sweeping and more serious. But the changes continued to be based on the premise that the state could plan personnel needs and research programs. Despite some local successes, education and science reforms in 1987–1989 were fragile and limited. In the face of economic crisis since 1990, the situation has become chaotic and, in 1992, tragic. It is likely that a significant portion of the educational and scientific institutions created in the U.S.S.R. will cease to exist, and that a large percentage of the personnel will move to other activities.
