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Question 4: What attributes of magnetic fusion energy make international 

 cooperation easy to achieve? Does the field have attributes that make 

 international cooperation difficult? 



Answer: The basic characteristics of magnetic fusion energy clearly lend 

 themselves to international collaboration. The fusion goal of energy for 

 mankind is a common one embraceable by all. The acknowledged technical 

 difficulty and interdisciplinary nature of fusion attracts some of the best 

 scientists and engineers worldwide. The costs of new major fusion facili- 

 ties result in fewer facilities and more need to work collectively on 

 sophisticated problem solutions. The long time scale for fusion encourages 

 seeking collaborative help on current problems, without the difficulties 

 associated with commercial pressures. The long history of successful 

 cooperation in fusion has built an expectation that international coopera- 

 tion can be a useful tool in fusion work. The new communication technolo- 

 gies such as the satellite data links allow easier collaborative work among 

 scientists than in earlier times. Finally, there is a strong sense of 

 personal respect and friendship built up over many years by Individuals in 

 the program. This interpersonal rapport is an essential reservoir of under- 

 standing underlying the successes in collaboration. 



Some of these same attributes also lead to difficulties in collaboration. 

 The long time scale for fusion research and facility usage requires long 

 term stability in program planning, especially for international collabora- 

 tions. This stability has been difficult to achieve within our annual 

 budgeting system. Lack of stability in long term support generates fears 

 that enhanced use of international collaboration will come at the expense of 

 domestic program capability. Satisfying this concern requires additional 

 effort and time for program and policy officials in establishing new cooper- 

 ative activities. Finally, the use of many advanced and sophisticated 

 technologies In fusion requires careful consideration of technology transfer 

 Issues associated with other, non-fusion applications of these technologies. 



