EVOLUTION OF VIEWS ON THE ROLE OF THE STATE IN ECONOMY
Over the recent years, due to the world crises and post-socialist countries' transition to market economy, state officials and scholars pay special attention to the role of the state in the nation's economic development. The author, based on considerable historical material, studies the influence of the state on the economic development of Russia, Italy, UK, France, and Germany in the period from 19 <sup>th </sup>through 20 <sup>th</sup> centuries. The paper discloses the reasons for Russia's technological lag behind advanced economies. Formulated are the conclusions of the historical analysis performed.