Superconductors - Research and policy.

The potential impact to technology of superconductivity above the temperature of liquid nitrogen is discussed. Several technologies could be enormously affected, but there are also many technological hurdles that must be overcome to realize any significant benefits. Current US research policy is not well suited to expedite the needed advances in superconductivity, and in materials in general. Particularly lacking is a commitment to novel methods of processing. Processing is the key to manufacturing and a field which the US has been steadily losing ground. An increased commitment to the synthesis of new materials, in general, is needed. The research commitments must be long term.