Consortia urged to push superconductors

To compete successfully with Japan in the race to commercialize high-temperature superconductor technology, the U.S. should commit itself for the long haul because large-scale commercial applications are at least 10 to 15 years away. To achieve this staying power, a Presidential advisory committee last week recommended a novel course: formation of consortia involving academia, industry, and government. This approach is similar in some respects to the one Japan has used to commercially exploit other technologies. But rather than directly copy the Japanese model, the advisory committee calls for a home-grown and long-range R&D structure "that builds on traditional American strengths." The consortia would combine the scientific expertise of university and government labs with the applications acumen of industry. Formed last March, the Committee To Advise the President on High-Temperature Superconductivity believes four to six consortia with 10-year lifetimes could do the job. The panel's chairman, Ralph E. G...