Scientific production association
The scientific production association (Russian: Научно-производственное объединение, romanized: Nauchno-proizvodstvennoye obyedineniye, NPO) is a form of scientific research-to-production enterprise in the Soviet Union and its successor states, including Russia and other union republics. This type of structure is closely related to the NAUCHNO-PROIZVODSTVENNOYe PREDPRIYATIYe (NPP) structure, which translates to SCIENTIFIC AND PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE. NAUCHNO-VNEDRENCHESKOE PREDPRIYATIE structures (Scientific and Implementation Enterprise) also exist. NPOs, NPPs and NVPs house what are called in the English language research and development facilities.