Development of Institutions in Russia: are There Any Prospects for Gosplan (the State Planning Committee)

Abstract

The article describes history of one of the first development institutions in Soviet Russia, i. e. the general planning committee known as Gosplan. The stages of its development are shown, which made it a principles economic institution of the country for nearly 70 years. The idea of the planned approach to economy development came into being in the early 20th century and during the World War I initial organizational structures, as special conferences aimed at providing balanced and grounded on current planning functioning of the most important industries and sectors of economy were set up. During the post-revolution period planning turned into a key tool of ruined economy restoration and later its modernization. Current planning was replaced by medium-term one with a fiveyear horizon. Methodology and methods of planning were elaborated. After the Great Patriotic War Gosplan drew up both five-year plans and long-term plans of economic development. Gosplan work provided functioning of economy within the frames of those economic models that followed each other in view of new economic goals and political objectives. History of Gosplan ended with the downfall of the Soviet Union, however, at present the necessity to pass to a new economic model aimed at attaining self-reliance and well-balanced economy renews interest in earlier development institutions and historic and economic experience of our country.