Why quantum technologies matter for policymakers
Quantum technologies are advancing rapidly, with the potential to transform industries, tackle societal challenges and shape national security. While many applications remain in the early stages, the policy implications are vast and require governments to prepare for both the opportunities and risks that quantum advancements bring. The significant potential of quantum also has jurisdictions competing for technological leadership even as they co-operate in advancing the research frontiers, with investments by the top 5 spenders ranging from 2 to 10 billion USD. In this complex context, policymakers have a crucial role to play in fostering innovation and developing approaches to governance that ensure the benefits of quantum technologies are widely shared.
Three key applications of quantum: sensing, computing and communication
The basic unit of information used by today’s digital technologies are bits that can represent 0s or 1s. Quantum technologies promise unprecedented capabilities by exploiting the unique properties of quantum bits (or qubits). Qubits can represent 0, 1 or any value in between, allowing quantum computers to process more information in parallel and tackle certain complex problems much faster than even the most powerful classical supercomputers.
While quantum sensing already enhances precision in materials science, extractive industries and other fields, quantum computing has immense potential but remains immature and hampered by challenges such as qubit stability and error correction. Quantum communication shows promise for strengthening digital security but faces scalability hurdles. Recent developments suggest all three technologies are progressing toward broader commercialisation.
Managing emerging risks in the quantum era
While these technologies hold immense promise, they also pose significant risks, particularly to digital security and privacy. Quantum computers could break widely used cryptographic systems, exposing financial and sensitive data as well as critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, the extraordinary sensitivity of quantum sensors raises surveillance and privacy concerns. Policymakers must anticipate these risks. While new post-quantum cryptography standards exist, widespread adoption takes time. Active governance and transparency in quantum applications are essential to safeguarding public trust while fostering innovation.
Investing in quantum research and development (R&D)
The commercial viability of many promising applications of quantum computing remains uncertain, and the development of quantum technologies requires substantial upstream investment in fundamental and applied research. Governments are increasingly funding exploratory R&D and collaborating in public-private partnerships to lay the foundation for future breakthroughs. These investments drive innovation and enable small businesses and academic institutions to play a meaningful role in the growing quantum ecosystem.
Building a skilled quantum workforce and resilient supply chains
The growth of quantum technologies risks outpacing the availability of skilled workers, creating an evolving need for education and workforce training. Governments, for example, are adjusting educational programmes and introducing vocational training courses to prepare professionals to enter the quantum workforce. Equally important are resilient supply chains. While these are still emerging as the technologies mature, policymakers can monitor dependencies on critical raw materials, such as rare earth elements, and secure reliable sources for essential components like cryogenic systems and photonics equipment.
Global co-operation for quantum technologies
From governance frameworks to risk mitigation and resource pooling, global collaboration is crucial to ensuring inclusion and responsible quantum innovation. However, balancing research security and other concerns with the need for trust and openness in international partnerships will be key to unlocking the full potential of this field. Policymakers should also be prepared for both gradual progress and sudden breakthroughs. A 'ChatGPT moment' in quantum technologies—an unexpected leap that reshapes industries overnight —could expose vulnerabilities in digital security or privacy frameworks, leaving unprepared stakeholders scrambling.
OECD's role in shaping responsible quantum innovation
The OECD brings together experts and policymakers to explore how to best promote responsible innovation in quantum and identify principles that can be adopted across countries to harness the benefits and mitigate the risks. Through its research, policy frameworks and longstanding role in facilitating multilateral dialogue, the OECD can help to build trust among stakeholders and enable greater cross-border collaboration.
To better understand these issues and prepare for a quantum future, explore the OECD’s new quantum technologies policy primer, which offers comprehensive insights into the potential, risks, and governance considerations of this rapidly advancing field.
