AbstractWithin the European fusion programmes the need for the development of superconducting magnets is recognized since about 20 years and strong programmes with several important milestones have been successfully executed. In all phases an early involvement of industry in close collaboration with the laboratories was essential. This was and is seen as a benefit for both sides in using the know-how from or for all other areas of superconductivity applications. Many basic areas of superconducting magnet technology have been improved remarkably by the fusion magnet development, as e.g. optimized SC wires, complex conductors with low AC losses, cable-in-conduit conductor technology, 1.8 K cooling technique and forced-flow He-I cryogenics, vacuum impregnation of large windings, low-temperature high-voltage capability of windings and leads, force transmitting embedment of the coil in thick cases and many other important details. The achieved state of the art facilitated the conceptual design of the W 7-X stellarator with advanced SC coils to a large extent and accelerates required prototype testing because existing facilities can be used. The programmes are still continued towards the manufacturing of NET/ITER model coils and their testing in TOSKA.