On January 15, 2025, the International Quantum Policy Forum, in partnership with several leading research institutions and experts, issued a Quantum Technology Policy Primer. This document responds to the rapidly growing interest in quantum science and provides insights into emerging policy considerations, governance frameworks, and potential societal impacts, offering a structured approach for policymakers, industry leaders, and the wider public.
Quantum technologies represent a new paradigm with potentially groundbreaking applications for digital economies and society. Quantum sensing, computing, and communication significantly expand the ability to gather, process, and transmit information. This newly released Policy Primer examines how these innovations may reshape commercial applications and address critical societal challenges while spotlighting the associated digital, privacy, and national security risks.
The Primer identifies key policy opportunities and challenges, including the role of government support in nurturing emerging technology ecosystems, resolving supply chain constraints, and developing a skilled workforce. It further emphasizes the importance of anticipatory governance and international collaboration to ensure a human-centric and values-based approach to quantum technology development and use.