Because SPARC is already happening. This is planning for research in areas that the next reactor will need including a neutron source to test materials and a blanket test facility.
See Bob Mumgaard's slides from last year's annual meeting of Fusion Power Associates where he outlines the research for technologies needed for by all the approaches to fusion power.
Quote from the last slide: "It would be a travesty for somebody to have a concept that works and have fusion stall because we, CHOSE not to prioritize the parts that help everybody."
This is where government funded research helps the emerging fusion power industry.
See Bob Mumgaard's slides from last year's annual meeting of Fusion Power Associates where he outlines the research for technologies needed for by all the approaches to fusion power.
http://www.firefusionpower.org/FPA19_Speed_Mumgaard_CFS.pdf
Quote from the last slide: "It would be a travesty for somebody to have a concept that works and have fusion stall because we, CHOSE not to prioritize the parts that help everybody."
This is where government funded research helps the emerging fusion power industry.