Russian Innovation- The Reading List

1. New Russian Innovations

On Russia and the International Economy:

http://www.industryweek.com/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=10824
This is an article on Russian innovation through their science andeducational systems. Russia's educational system is one of the best in theworld, along with its scientists, and other countries- such as America- want to tap into this power. Forget about everything being "made in China"-soon, more and more things are going be being made in Russia. Russia not only produces items efficiently, but inexpensively as well. Russia has more scientists and mathematicians working in R&D centers than any other country, increasing productivity. Now that more and more borders between Russia and the rest of the world are being opened, Russian resources could finally be taken advantage of.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_10/b3873062.htm
Even eastern countries are beginning to tap into the innovation of Russian scientists! Samsung's research center is now located in- surprise!- Moscow. One item the Russians have produced so far is frequency-filtering technology, something commonly seen in today's society as noise-cancelling earphones. In the words of Song Yong Won, "There's an enormous pool of scientific and engineering talent we can tap into in Russia." Russia has been somewhat slow at developing its own companies, so Russian scientists will often work for other companies created by foreigners. Perhaps this is a sign that Russia's xenophobia is finally starting to die out. Russian engineers are better, more efficient, and most importantly, cheaper.

Modern Russian Inventions:

http://www.cee-foodindustry.com/news/ng.asp?id=58193-non-drip-ice
Yet another fascinating Russian invention is born: no-drip ice cream. Produced by MyasoMolTorg, this ice cream turns into a semi-solid jelly whenheated, rather than a liquid. Products like this are beginning to rekindle a previously failing Russian market. Many more innovations have been made in Russia that pertain to ice cream, such as vitamin-enriched, low calorie, and energy-building ice creams. Some ice creams now have no fat or sugar at all, which are directed at the overweight or diabetics, and some ice creams now have live bacteria to help regulate the intestines. An entertaining and informative article, and perhaps a glimpse of the future of ice cream worldwide.

2. History of Russia's Evolution- Innovation and New Thought in Politics

http://www.emayzine.com/lectures/russianrev.html
A highly thorough and informative article on the Russian Revolution of 1917. The Russin Revolution of 1917 is what caused the Russian monarchy todissolved and the Soviet Union, AKA communist Russia, to come into being.The entire revolution actually consisted of two revolutions: the first of which overthrew the Monarchy, the second of which was an armed revolt of theBolshevik party. The Revolution(s) were sparked by the incompetent and unwise policies of Czar Nicholas II pertaining to the oppressed lower class. Soon, there were protests and strikes by the poor working class, and chaos ensued. Troops were eventually called in, and the government began to collapse. The Soviets eventually took the place of the old government, and the Soviet Union was then formed.

http://www.geographia.com/russia/rushis01.htm
This is an ENORMOUS website on Russian history and culture. They have sections on almost every part of Russian history, from pre-Mongol ancient Russia to the Soviet Era. Modern Russia is mentioned several times, and it demonstrates to us that, as always, Russia's self-image and identity ishighly confused and conflicted. Through the website, we see how Russia has transformed from thousands of small villages, to a unified country. You can read about the Mongol invasion and their eventual defeat, as well as the legendary stories of the Romanovs, the Napoleonic Invasion, the Russian Revolution, and the traumatic Soviet era.

3. General Information About Russian History and Culture

http://www.goehner.com/russinfo.htm
This website is fascinating! It tells us about how Russian culture differs from American culture. It demonstrates how Russian history has shaped modern Russian attitudes- the authoritarian past has made Russians moreoriented towards to collective good than individual rights and significance, for example. It also goes far to explain why Russians supported communism for so long. The website explains how even the climate of Russia has shaped modern Russian attitudes. The website goes on to explain that the Russian mindset is pessimistic, cautious, egalitarian, and honest, whereas Americans can be seen as annoyingly happy risk-takers, and somewhat individualistic/selfish. In short, Russia and America are like night and day to each other- you'd best read this before you try to analyse anything Russian on your own.


Happy reading!

-Emily Ahstrom