The "Kombinate" included research enterprises, which the state incorporated into their structures to provide better focus for research efforts and speedier application of research results to production. A single, united management directed the entire production process in each "Kombinat", from research to production and sales. The reform also attempted to foster closer ties between the activities of the "Kombinate" and the foreign trade enterprises by subordinating the latter to both the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the "Kombinate". The goal of the "Kombinat" reform measure was to achieve greater efficiency and rationality by concentrating authority in the hands of midlevel leadership. The "Kombinat" management also provided significant input for the central planning process.