The goal is there mostly because humans like goals, but otherwise both space exploration and fusion are about the research happening *in the process.* ITER alone brings hundreds of discoveries in physics, materials, design, logistics etc each year, even though its declared goal is delayed by 5 years (but the current schedule of first plasma in 2025 is feasible).
Just recently one of the DESERTEC directors told me that the project objectives were actually also kind of mostly research, which would change the perspective - but then, he admitted they too allowed themselves too many far-fetching statements and declarations about the project's objectives. I can only assume this was because hype attracts attention, and attention attracts funding. But then, the "failed" labels sticks to the project forever...
