The Development of Computer Technology in the First Half of the 1960s: Attempts to Overcome the Backlog

The purpose of the publication. Based on the currently declassified archival documents, to investigate the actual problem associated with the development and implementation of measures for the development of computer technology in the first half of the 1960s, to analyze the assessments of leading specialists of that time and their recommendations.

The conclusion is formulated that the studied documents indicate the desire of the scientific elite, diplomats, representatives of industry and the defense complex to draw the attention of the country's leadership to the need to prioritize the development of computer technology, which has become a trigger for modernization, structural adjustment of the economy in leading countries. For greater persuasiveness, reports and letters often cited as an argument reports on the achievements of the main competitor — the United States, which had a significant impact on decision-making. A lot was achieved during the study period, but the pace was too slow, coordination could not be achieved, management miscalculations, disinterest of enterprises in innovations, predominance of departmental interests, weak connection between science and production, lack of interaction between the defense and civil sectors also affected.