AbstractScience in the Soviet Union is experiencing major upheavals in the same way as the economy. There are alarming gaps in domestic R&D which could he solved by purchasing complete modem enterprises and technologies. A rational conversion of the military sector would be an efficient way of preserving its science potential; this would also solve the problem of employment for the scientists and engineers working in this sector. Of the greatest urgency is the dissemination of modern economic and social knowledge so that a new economic culture can be created.