The role of the defense industry in the economy of Leningrad in the 1930s: lessons for the contemporary Russia

In the present article the experience of developing the defense industry in Leningrad in the 1930s is considered. By making a detailed analysis of S.M. Kirov''s public speeches (the chief of Leningrad in 1926-1934) and studying the relevant empirical da­ta, the author concludes that this experience can be used in the contemporary Russia while elaborating an import-replacement strategy for military and civil products, creating dual-use tech­nologies, and developing the educational system.