This research project aims to develop and expand a programme of collaborative sociological research in Russia which has been built up since 1991. The focus of this research is the industrial enterprise, and the central theme of the research is the restructuring of management, industrial relations and labour organization in Russia. A network has been built up and 30 committed and experienced researchers are trained.

This programme is based on intensive longitudinal case studies of former state enterprises undergoing processes of marketisation, privatization and restructuring. The longitudinal perspective provides a detailed picture of the development of the state enterprise since the beginning of the process of reform. The intensive case study method makes it possible to explore the interaction of formal and informal relations within the enterprise and in its external relations with state and commercial bodies. A number of substantive themes have already been explored by the researchers and a substantial published output has established a strong reputation in the NIS and in the West. There is growing interest on the part of policy-makers as the latter become aware of the pivotal role of the large enterprise in the transformation process. The core of the network consists of research teams in four contrasting regions of Russia (Moscow, Kemerovo, Samara and Syktyvkar) and a number of individual researchers in other cities. These teams have been working closely together for three years and there are regular six-monthly meetings of all the researchers.

The basic aim is to maintain the existing research base, continue to develop this unique research, and expand active co-operation with western social scientists.

The results obtained will be introduced into policy consultancy activities and opened up for discussion within the scientific community through scientific publications.