Preservation of competence in nuclear technology. Research need from the viewpoint of industry

In response to tighter public research budgets for nuclear research and development, eight major German companies as well as universities and research institutes united in the Network for Competence in Nuclear Technology (German: Kompetenzverbund Kerntechnik) have decided to intensify their co-operation with the aim to maintain expertise by conducting joint research projects. This paper pointed out the necessity to maintain and develop nuclear expertise in spite of the decision to phase out nuclear energy. Based on the recommendations given in the position paper, the heads of research and development of the eight companies agreed as to where the focal areas of nuclear research will be in the future from the industry's perspective in the context of the German turnaround in energy policy. (orig.)