Commercializing Russian Technology: An Opportunity for Western Business

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**February 1998**
**CommercializingRussian Technology: An Opportunity for Western Business

 

In this century Russia developed the world�s most extensive scientific infrastructure, rivaledonly by that of the United States. Since much had defense implications, Russian science developedin isolation to western science. Often Russian researchers took different approaches and followeddifferent paths than western scientists. With the breakup of the former Soviet Union and theeconomic meltdown in Russia, much of this infrastructure is disappearinghttp://pubs.acs.org/hotartcl/cenear/971222/russian.html. Scientists and researchers are being laidoff, equipment is deteriorating and labs are being closed. 

 

Beginning in April of this year, the University of Missouri-Columbia College ofEngineering <http://www.ecn.missouri.edu> and the Russian Foundation forBasic Research <http://www.rfbr.ru> will showcase research from some of the finest research institutes in Russia. Theseries will introduce the product of one of the world�s two greatest scientific powers to theentrepreneurial and industrial might of the West so that it may be put to some useful purpose. Itwill also help to forge links between western business and industry and Russian institutes thatmight provide the wherewithal for them to prosper. Finally, it is designed to promote Russiantechnology for commercial use before it is lost in some shuttered lab.*** *
Semiconductor, metal physics and material science research, highly relevant topicsin American business today, will be featured in the 12-part satellite series, which will open in Aprilwith a look at commercial applications of explosive waves. The discussion will be led by one ofthe Russia�s most prominent scientists, Professor Vladimir E. Fortov, Minister of Science andTechnologies and close advisor to Russian President Boris Yeltsin. 

 

Fortov�s research in the commercial application of explosive waves examines high peakelectrical generation, specifically the ability to generate high power for short duration undercontrolled conditions. Quick bursts of energy are critical in high power microwave generation,"flash" x-ray technology and explosive welding.

 

Fortov received his Ph.D. in physics from the prestigious Moscow Institute of Physics andTechnology and has devoted his career to research in the field of high energy density physics. Hisscientific interests also include the safety of nuclear energy, beam-matter interaction,hypervelocity impact, explosion and detonation and meteoroid protection of spacecraft and Earth.A member and Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Fortov has receivednumerous awards and honors, including the USSR State Award in Physics and Mathematics(1986) for Project "Vega"/Halley Comet Experiment Exploration and the USSR Red BannerOrder (1988) for "Investigation in Physics and Computational Mathematics."

 

The second presentation on May 14, examines the applications of research conducted at theIoffe Institute on Semiconductor Hetorostructures. The presenter is Zhores Alferov, Director ofthe IoffeInstitute <http://wwwioffe.rssi.ru>, one of the world�s finestsemiconductor labs. In addition to being Director, Alferov is Vice President of the RussianAcademy of Science. The third presentation, by Michael Alfimov, will examine Media for OpticalMemory. Alfimov is the Chairman of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, as well asDirector of the Photochemistry Center of the RAS.

 

Additional programs will focus on the commercial applications of research in some of thefollowing areas:
- Nano materials-powders and ceramics; 
- High performance aluminum alloys; 
- Surface modification and thin films; 
- High performance composites; 
- High performance titanium alloys; 
- Forming technologies (magna forming, squeeze casting); 
- Physical treatment of metal and metal parts.

 

The satellite series is the latest collaboration between MU and the Russian Foundation ofBasic Research (analogous to the National Science Foundation). A year ago, Vice President ofthe Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Mesyats visited the University to sign an Agreementof Collaboration and deliver a satellite address on the commercial applications of pulsed power.Over 50 national laboratories, universities and companies throughout the world received theaddress. The success of Dr. Mesyats� presentation led the Russian Foundation for BasicResearch to pledge its support for the 12-part satellite series.

 

For more information, see the program�s web site http://www.missouri.edu/~ceewww/rsss or contact:
 

Dr. Richard Potter, Director			Dr. Eugene Krentsel

Continuing Engineering Education		Director

College of Engineering				Program for Collaboration with the FSU

University of Missouri-Columbia		College of Engineering, W2010 EBE

W1000 EBE					University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO 65211				Columbia, MO 65211

800-882-7075					573-882-1520

[email protected]			[email protected]

 

***This report is provided courtesy of the Business Information Service for the NewlyIndependent States (BISNIS)*******