Tom Still: State's fusion energy future hinges on mix of old and new - WisPolitics
wispolitics.com
Wisconsin's old-school metal casters and machine shops may be the unlikely key to making fusion energy real — can industrial heritage unlock a futuristic power source?
Comparative AdvantageTechnological ComplementarityPath DependencyInnovation Ecosystem Theory
Theory Briefing
- Wisconsin's fusion energy ambitions depend not just on scientists but on metal casting experts, precision manufacturers, and automation specialists.
- The article frames fusion's path to reality as a blend of cutting-edge physics and traditional industrial craftsmanship.
- Legacy manufacturing skills — often seen as relics — are recast here as essential infrastructure for next-generation energy technology.