Quantum technologies are one of the emerging technologies deemed by experts to have the potential to radically transform the world. Quantum opens possibilities to process data that are too complex for today’s fastest computers. As a result, quantum technologies have strategic importance for the scientific and industrial competitiveness of the EU, as well as for security and defence investments.
As quantum is a highly strategic field, all major world regions are investing in it. For example, China has committed to invest around $15 billion, while the US has pledged $5 billion in the next decade. On the other hand, the EU has so far committed around $8 billion (around €7.5 billion).
The EU’s Digital Decade strategy aims for Europe to have its first supercomputer with quantum acceleration by 2025, paving the way to being at the cutting edge of quantum capabilities by 2030. The European Chips Act also includes measures to foster the low-cost, high-volume manufacturing of quantum chips in the EU, so that they can power a whole range of innovative quantum devices. Aiming to put Europe at the forefront of developing quantum technologies, the EU has already invested €1 billion in its Quantum Technologies Flagship, a long-term research and innovation initiative launched in 2018. However, quantum technologies can also pose threats without responsible and sensible governance.
Join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the opportunities and challenges of quantum technologies for the EU. Questions to be addressed include:
- How can the EU compete at a global level when it comes to developing, deploying, and regulating quantum technologies responsibly?
- What role can quantum technologies play in tackling global challenges, including climate change, disease, poverty?
- What policy developments could be expected in the next EU mandate to ensure new technologies are deployed in the most efficient and secure manner?
- What is needed for sensible governance of quantum technologies, given the limited knowledge and understanding we have so far about quantum?
