ISEC 2003—reflections on the conference

These reflections are based on the wrap-up talk given at the ISEC 2003 meeting. They are both subjective and selective, but without any intended value judgement. Superconducting qubits and π-shift devices are highlighted as examples of new directions. Some of the presented studies on materials and their characterization, Josephson junctions, analogue devices and systems, digital electronics and cryopackaging are briefly commented on. Overall, the progress in superconducting electronics has been good, but incremental and limited by insufficient funding. The challenge of other developing technologies, some much better funded, is emphasized.