High Temperature Superconductivity: A Window onto the Innovation Process Innovation Process

Superconductivity is the ability of a material to conduct an electric current without any resistive energy loss whatsoever. Recent breakthroughs in identifying high temperature super-conducting materials and potential applications of them have led to questions regarding the role the Federal Government should play in the development, innovation, and commercialization of high temperature superconductors. This paper reviews the potential technological impact high temperature superconductors would have on the automotive industry, the current Federal role in this area, the various factors relevant to a changing Federal role, and some of the possible policies needed to address this issue.