Forecasting needs in technical liaison interpreting

Should one need to preemptively invest in the preparation of potential request in domain specific subjects, based on the assumption that requests will come? I have never heard or read about this question in strategic terms. The issue is complicated and put back to the present with the disaster and consequences of the Fukushima nuclear mess. The New York Times has an article on the meeting of US engineers with Toshiba in Japan for consultation  discussions regarding the possible future decommissioning of some of the reactors. Decommissioning is long term meaning potentially long terms needs for interpretation services, although nothing in the article suggests issues of communication. But issues of communication never come during prime time. 


Invariably, you are asked things like "do you have experience in ------", and fill the -------- with whatever advanced, not mundane technical subject you can think about, like decommissioning of nuclear facilities. I was asked such question the other day, but not in such specific manner. Just like quantum physics and advanced French cooking technologies, the matter of  "experience"  is at stake, even in cases where you want to answer back : "If you find a single interpreter in town right now experienced in -------, I'll pay you a drink." Instead, you start on scrambling mode trying not to blurt that you have worked in this and that which is not clearly directly related to the subject but smells enough technology and science that you hope the other side will be impressed, or at least reassured. 


You are never asked, at least I have never been - things like : "We are going to have long term needs in technical liaison interpreting related with nuclear facilities decommissioning. It's a huge and various domain. You won't have time to turn an engineer and we won't have time to wait for your graduation, but will you consider quickly starting get wet enough and more in ------- ? This is long term." More than 30 years ago, I was not asked whether I had experience in automobile tire manufacturing interpretation. The job quickly showed that it would cover not only this but every level of the company, down to personal matters like going together with Japanese staff to the dentist's. There was not a single experienced interpreter on such matter in the whole country to start with. 


Interpreters are supposed to be keen at delving into uncharted  territories with a approach that is both speedy and strategic. In liaison, interaction with staffs, engineers and the likes is as valid and compulsory as flipping through books and specialized documents. Getting the big picture fast even if never fast and deep enough at first stage is one key among other. The correct and daring answer to the question above could be a "no but I know how to prepare in urgency (with a little help from your side too ...".


As for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, one could start with this "Nuclear Decommissioning, Waste Management, and Environmental Site Remediation" for English, and the August 2010 issue of the monthly Genshiryoku Eye in Japanese. The next and parallel thing is to board the loop of the potential players' dynamic, that is get in touch with corporations about to make deals.