What is the ‘responsible quantum technologies’ movement? | Explained

2025 is the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, focusing on benefits and responsible development of quantum technologies.

The United Nations recently said 2025 will be observed as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). There are to be many events focusing on quantum science and technology (S&T), including to create awareness of its concepts and explore its benefits for humankind.

The applications of quantum mechanics constitute an emerging technology yet quantum S&T haven’t captured the public attention the way artificial intelligence (AI) or genome editing have. Nonetheless, quantum S&T applications in three domains — quantum computing, quantum sensors, and quantum communications — are in different stages of development worldwide.

Quantum S&T are part of the ‘S&T plans’ of many governments and the subject of significant private sector investment. According to an estimate computed by consulting firm McKinsey last year, four sectors — automotives, chemicals, financial services, and life sciences — are expected to gain about $1.3 trillion in value by 2035 thanks to quantum S&T. Among investments by countries, China leads with $10 billion in 2022, followed by the European Union and the U.S. India’s contribution is currently $730 million (Rs 6,100 crore).

The value of quantum S&T is in transforming our abilities to transmit and make use of information across sectors. But they also carry the risk of misuse thanks to the technologies’ potential for dual use, like weakening digital security.

Researchers and some governments have thus been calling for practising responsible quantum technologies to harness the value of quantum S&T while engendering public trust. This is why, for example, the U.K.’s ‘National Quantum Strategy’ states, “We will ensure that regulatory frameworks drive responsible innovation and the delivery of benefits for the UK, as well as protecting and growing the economy and the UK’s quantum capabilities.”

The World Economic Forum (WEF) was one of the first organisations to discuss quantum computing governance. Its ‘Quantum Governance’ framework for this is based on the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, accessibility, non-maleficence, equitability, accountability, and the common good. Members of the framework include those from national government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector leaders (including in India).

The WEF’s objective here is to accelerate the development of responsible quantum computing by building trust in the technology during its development to preempt and mitigate potential risks. The framework’s virtue is that it addresses responsible development up front rather than as an afterthought.