Status and perspectives for magnet systems based on HTS conductors

High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) materials will be applied to magnet systems if they will satisfy engineering specifications about performances and if their costs will be "acceptable" (i.e. justified by the benefits of their usage). Although there are now more than 50 known HTS materials, only Bi-2212 and Bi-2223 are available as long-length conductors usable for prototypes of cryocooler cooled magnets, high field insert coils, transformers, etc. Conductor performances of importance in magnet systems design will be addressed like: engineering critical current, anisotropy, strain tolerance, AC losses, resistive transition and n-value. Achieved costs and performances of HTS magnet systems will be reviewed and possible future improvements will be discussed by considering also YBCO coated conductors and MgB2 wires under development.