Quantum technology represents a significant leap in scientific and technological progress, holding the potential to significantly progress fields such as computing, cryptography, communications, and sensing. National quantum strategies are essential for countries aspiring to lead or maintain competitiveness in this transformative domain. A successful national quantum strategy involves a multifaceted approach that integrates research and development (R&D), education, industry partnerships, infrastructure, international collaboration, and policy frameworks.
This report explores how countries can design and implement successful national quantum strategies to harness the full potential of quantum technology.
1. Comprehensive Research and Development Ecosystem
Investing in Fundamental Research
A robust R&D ecosystem is the cornerstone of a successful quantum strategy. Countries must prioritize sustained investments in fundamental research, which forms the foundation for technological advancements. Governments should fund academic institutions, research centers, and laboratories to explore various quantum phenomena and develop new theories and technologies while establishing milestones for key results against such funding. Establishing national quantum research institutes can centralize efforts and foster collaboration among top scientists.
Encouraging Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Quantum technology spans multiple disciplines, including physics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering. Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration can accelerate innovation. Research initiatives should bring together experts from these diverse fields to address complex quantum challenges. For example, quantum computing requires insights from both computer scientists and quantum physicists to develop algorithms and hardware. Such collaboration can extend across geographical borders and should not operate in isolation from best practices of other successful groups.
Public-Private Partnerships
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can enhance R&D efforts by combining public funding with private sector expertise and resources. Governments should incentivize private companies to invest in quantum research through grants, tax breaks, and collaborative projects. For instance, tech giants like IBM, Google, and Microsoft have made significant strides in quantum computing through such partnerships, which benefit from both public research funding and private sector innovation capabilities. Once again these partnerships should be aligned with key result metrics and goals.
2. Building a Skilled Workforce
Education and Training Programs
Developing a skilled workforce is crucial for the success of any national quantum strategy. Countries should invest in education and training programs to produce quantum scientists, engineers, and technicians. Universities should offer specialized degree programs in quantum science and engineering. Additionally, governments can fund scholarships and fellowships to attract talented students to these fields.
Continuous Professional Development
Given the rapid evolution of quantum technology, continuous professional development (CPD) is essential. Providing opportunities for current professionals to upskill through workshops, short courses, and online programs can keep the workforce updated with the latest advancements. Collaboration with industry players to create tailored CPD programs can ensure that the training is relevant and practical.
International Talent Attraction
To build a world-class quantum workforce, countries should also attract international talent. Offering competitive salaries, research grants, and favorable immigration policies can help attract leading scientists and engineers from around the world. Establishing renowned research institutions can also serve as a magnet for global talent.
3. Developing Quantum Infrastructure
Quantum Computing Facilities
State-of-the-art quantum computing facilities are critical for advancing quantum research and development. Governments should invest in building and maintaining these facilities in-country, which include quantum computers, simulators, and related infrastructure. Ensuring access to these facilities for academic researchers, startups, and industry partners can democratize innovation and foster a collaborative environment.
Quantum Communication Networks
Quantum communication networks, particularly those using quantum key distribution (QKD), are increasingly essential for secure information transfer. Countries should invest in building and expanding these networks to protect sensitive data and communications. National initiatives could include creating a quantum internet, which leverages quantum entanglement for ultra-secure communication.
Standardization and Interoperability
Developing standards for quantum technologies is crucial for ensuring interoperability and facilitating widespread adoption. National bodies should work with international organizations to create and adopt standards for quantum hardware, software, and communication protocols. Standardization can also help reduce costs and accelerate market entry for new quantum products and services.
Countries considering the maturity levels of quantum technology should understand the array of data, like the tables and graphs produced by Global Quantum Intelligence, to understand, in particular the eras of quantum evolution and how that impacts research and commercialization opportunities.
4. Promoting Industry and Innovation
Supporting Quantum Startups
Encouraging entrepreneurship in the quantum sector can drive innovation and economic growth. Governments should create supportive ecosystems for quantum startups, including providing seed funding, incubation facilities, and mentorship programs. Establishing innovation hubs and clusters can facilitate collaboration among startups, academic institutions, and established companies.
Technology Transfer and Commercialization
Effective technology transfer mechanisms are essential for translating research breakthroughs into commercial products. Governments can support this process by establishing technology transfer offices (TTOs) within universities and research institutions. These offices can help researchers patent their discoveries, navigate the commercialization process, and connect with potential industry partners.
Market Incentives and Demand Creation
Creating market incentives for adopting quantum technologies can stimulate demand and drive industry growth. Governments can implement policies such as tax credits for businesses that integrate quantum solutions or procure quantum technologies for public sector use. Public sector procurement can serve as a catalyst for early-stage quantum technologies, providing companies with the necessary market validation and revenue.
5. International Collaboration
Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements
International collaboration is vital for advancing quantum technology, given its global nature and the significant resources required. Countries should engage in bilateral and multilateral agreements to share knowledge, resources, and expertise. Collaborative projects with leading quantum research nations can accelerate progress and avoid duplication of efforts.
Supply chains.
Many countries seem much more open to collaborating with each other. As computers get more mature and being used for real use cases by real companies, people realize ” our system is only as strong as the weakest link in our supply chain” (quote from one Cleveland Clinic doctor).
Export control and standards.
Again, like-minded countries want to collaborate more with example such as AUKUS mentioned and NATO. Also, implementing the concept of free trade zones in friendly countries that could freely exchange products, people and intellectual property.
Participation in Global Initiatives
Active participation in global quantum initiatives, such as the Quantum Flagship in Europe or the National Quantum Initiative in the United States, can provide countries with access to cutting-edge research and funding opportunities. Consortiums like QED-C and Europe’s QuiC are also extending membership beyond national borders. These initiatives often involve cross-border collaborations and offer platforms for sharing best practices and standardization efforts.
Addressing Ethical and Security Concerns
Quantum technology raises significant ethical and security concerns, particularly regarding quantum computing’s potential to break current cryptographic systems. International collaboration is essential to address these issues through the development of new cryptographic standards and ethical guidelines. Countries should work together to ensure that quantum technologies are used responsibly and for the benefit of all.
6. Policy and Regulatory Framework
Strategic Roadmaps and National Policies
A clear and comprehensive policy framework is essential for guiding national quantum strategies. Governments should develop strategic roadmaps that outline their vision, goals, and priorities for quantum technology. These roadmaps should be regularly updated to reflect technological advancements and changing global dynamics. National policies should also address funding allocation, regulatory standards, and public-private partnerships.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Protection
Protecting intellectual property rights is crucial for fostering innovation in quantum technology. Governments should ensure that robust IPR frameworks are in place to protect the discoveries and inventions of researchers and companies. Simplifying the patent process and providing support for navigating IPR issues can encourage more entities to invest in quantum research.
Ethical and Security Regulations
Developing ethical guidelines and security regulations specific to quantum technologies is essential. Governments should establish regulatory bodies to oversee the ethical use of quantum technologies and ensure compliance with security standards. These bodies can also address potential misuse of quantum technologies and safeguard national security interests.
How Do We Define “Winning”?
The only relevant definition of success is the one created for oneself. As a nation, each country determines its priorities, strategies and tactics to achieve those priorities. So, when we considered winning strategies for quantum technologies, we recognize our readers will argue that their quantum choices must be viewed within the context of their overall priorities.
To win in quantum, we will look at a number of factors, including level of investment,
Innovation and talent.
Measuring the Top Countries
In order to assess the progress of national strategies, QSI has worked with data providers, The Quantum Insider and their Quantum Intelligence Platform ©, and Qureca, using the following metrics:
- Government Funding Commitment
- Quantum Companies
- Quantum Involved Universities
- Investors
- Enterprise Users
- Patents
- Research papers
Government Funding:
The top 15 countries have committed anywhere between $250 million to $4 billion over various time periods (excluding the often disputed $15 billion committed by China). The UK leads with over $4 billion committed though the US $3.1 billion which excludes a significant Department of Defence spend.
Quantum Investment by Country (Updated to June 2024)
The graphic below, aggregated by Qureca, identifies the investments by country to June 2024 totaling $42 billion worldwide.
Quantum Companies:
The United States leads by a long way with 459 quantum companies of all modalities with 36% of the total of the top 15 countries.
The number of quantum involved universities has flourished in the past decade with the top 15 countries being home to 453 institutions devoting time and resources to quantum in their curricula.
Quantum Universities
For those countries looking to establish a quantum ecosystem through private investment, they would be wise to look to the US, UK and Japan for models given the material number of quantum investors today.
Quantum Investors
Amongst the top 15 countries for quantum enterprise users, Japan has an outsized role relative to other metrics with the second-most number of organizations.
Quantum Users
The United State leads quantum users environment by a significant margin and would be a reasonable locale to look for best practice opportunities.
Quantum Patents
Over 67,000 patents have been registered for quantum technologies with half coming from China. The World Intellectual Property Organization and the European Patent Office are actively involved in quantum technologies today with 16% of total quantum patents.
The world of quantum research has blossomed over the last decade with researchers devoting their time to every aspect of quantum physics, mechanics and technologies. China and the US from the beginning have led the research effort.
National Quantum Strategies*
Latvia 2016 1 No Signed
Lithuania 2023 No No Not Signed
Luxembourg 2021 10 No Signed
Malta 2016 No No Not Signed
Netherlands 2018 1 Yes Signed
Norway (EFTA) 2019 No No Not Signed
Poland 2019 No No Signed
Portugal 2019 No No Signed
Romania 2022 No No Signed
Slovakia 2021 No No Signed
Slovenia 2016 No No Signed
Spain 2019 No No Signed
Sweden 2020 No Yes Signed
Case Studies: National Quantum Strategies
United States
The United States has implemented a comprehensive national quantum strategy through the National Quantum Initiative (NQI). The NQI Act, passed in 2018, established a coordinated approach to quantum research and development across multiple federal agencies. The strategy includes significant funding for quantum research, the establishment of Quantum Information Science (QIS) Research Centers, and strong public-private partnerships. Additionally, the U.S. focuses on international collaboration, participating in global quantum initiatives and fostering bilateral agreements.
European Union
The European Union’s Quantum Flagship initiative represents a long-term, large-scale research program aimed at advancing quantum technologies. With a budget of over €1 billion for the first ten years, the Quantum Flagship supports a wide range of projects across quantum computing, communication, simulation, and sensing. The initiative emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, industry participation, and international cooperation. The EU also prioritizes standardization and the development of a skilled quantum workforce through education and training programs.
China
China has made significant strides in quantum technology, driven by substantial government investment and strategic planning. The country has established leading quantum research institutions, such as the Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale. China’s national quantum strategy includes developing a quantum communication network, advancing quantum computing capabilities, and fostering a skilled workforce. The government’s commitment is reflected in significant funding allocations and the establishment of dedicated quantum research programs.
Canada
Canada’s national quantum strategy is characterized by strong government support, world-class research institutions, and a vibrant quantum ecosystem. “The NQS revolves around three key pillars: research, talent and commercialization.” The country invests heavily in fundamental research through organizations like the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo. Canada’s strategy includes fostering industry partnerships, supporting quantum startups, and promoting international collaboration. The government also prioritizes education and training to build a skilled quantum workforce.
Conclusion
A successful national quantum strategy requires a holistic approach that encompasses research and development, education and training, infrastructure development, industry support, international collaboration, and a robust policy framework. By investing in these areas, countries can position themselves at the forefront of the quantum revolution, unlocking new economic opportunities and addressing critical societal challenges. The examples of the United States, the European Union, China, and Canada illustrate different pathways to achieving success in the quantum domain. Ultimately, the collaborative and strategic efforts of nations will determine the global landscape of quantum technology in the coming decades.
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