The Soviet Union's Rise in Microelectronics in the 1960s

In the early sixties of the twentieth century, the Soviet Union emerged as a global powerhouse in various fields of scientific and technological advancements. Among its remarkable successes were pioneering achievements such as launching the world's first satellite, sending a man into space, developing a nuclear icebreaker, creating a high-speed computer capable of over one million operations per second, establishing missile defense systems, and much more.

The Microelectronics Race

However, these groundbreaking feats wouldn't have been possible without significant progress in the realm of electronics. At that time, both the Soviet Union and the USA embarked on mass production of transistors almost simultaneously in 1949, indicating the crucial role of electronic components in technological breakthroughs. Despite this shared starting point, Soviet electronics did not evolve as a distinct industry. Apart from semiconductors, which were produced in specialized plants, most electronic equipment components like resistors, capacitors, transformers, and connectors were handcrafted by workers in a somewhat makeshift manner.

USA Creates World's First Microcircuit

Recognizing the limitations of this fragmented approach, a pivotal shift occurred in 1961 with the establishment of the State Committee on Electronic Technology under the leadership of Alexander Shokin.This marked a turning point in the history of world electronics, especially as the United States introduced the world's first microcircuit in 1959, commencing serial production by 1962. Responding to this technological challenge, the Soviet Union decided to set up a Microelectronics Research Center in Zelenograd near Moscow in the same year, following a decision taken by the CPSU Central Committee.

This strategic move not only exemplified the Soviet Union's commitment to technological progress but also laid the foundation for the consolidation of electronic manufacturing facilities under the Ministry of Electronic Industry, streamlining processes and paving the way for further advancements in the field of electronics.

The creation of the State Committee and subsequent initiatives underscored the Soviet Union's determination to keep pace with global advancements, ultimately contributing to the country's prominence in the scientific and technological landscape of the 1960s.