Technology Diffusion in the Coal Mining Industry of the USSR: An Interim Assessment

Astakhov, A., Grubler, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7814-4990, & Mookhin, A. (1989). Technology Diffusion in the Coal Mining Industry of the USSR: An Interim Assessment. IIASA Working Paper. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: WP-89-046

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Abstract

Over many years IIASA has been involved in energy studies, coal was always an important research topic at all levels from resource assessment, study of potential future coal supply to the analysis of environmental impacts resulting from expanded coal utilization.

The present paper presents an analysis of technological change in the coal mining industry of the USSR. It describes within a quantitative framework first the evolution of the coal mining industry in general, based on macro indicators of output, production intensity and labor productivity. Then it describes qualitatively the different historical phases of development and introduction of new technologies into the sector and concludes by quantifying the historical trajectories of new technologies diffusion, using standard models of technological diffusion and substitution.

The paper not only provides insight into the dynamics of the technological change in the coal mining industry of the USSR, but addresses also some of the effects of theses developments. Finally some tentative conclusions with respect to future evolution in the industry are outlined.

Other IIASA studies have addressed similar changes in the technology of coal mining in the USA the UK and the FRG, albeit in not such great detail. These results could be used in conjunction with the present study for a subsequent cross national comparison of technological trends in the coal mining industry. The present paper is the product of a continued and very fruitful cooperation between IIASA and the Academy of the National Economy at the Council of Ministers of the USSR. It adds to the productivity of this cooperation, which will continue in the future.

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