Soviet efforts in designing third-generation computers are discussed in two featured articles which describe (1) the development and production of integrated circuits, and their role in computers; and (2) the use of amorphous chalcogenide glass in lasers, infrared devices, and semiconductors. Other articles discuss production-oriented branch research institutes at universities, reorganization of higher education along United States lines, and economics of computer centers. Hardware discussed includes the Minsk-32, a multi-processor with multimachine capability, teletype-input cathode ray tube display for the BESM-6, the Alpha structural mechanics computer, speech recognition by the BESM-3, remote-process control via telegraph line, and a heuristic approach to checker-playing on an M-20. (Author)