Salil Gunashekar & Teodora Chis
Introduction
In recent years, the capabilities of quantum technologies have advanced significantly, underscoring their potential applications across diverse fields, including the life sciences, finance, aerospace, defence, energy and telecommunications. While many quantum technologies seem poised for breakthroughs over the next few years, several bottlenecks persist. These challenges include technical issues such as scalability and error correction, lack of standardisation, complexities associated with advancements in hardware, algorithms and software for quantum systems, and cybersecurity risks. Crucially, broader ecosystem barriers must be addressed to fully realise the benefits of quantum technologies. These encompass longer-term issues such as funding and investment challenges, governance uncertainty, interdisciplinary collaboration, supply chain development, international
competition and skills and talent development (Gunashekar et al. 2022).
On 10 October 2024, RAND Europe and the Novo Nordisk Foundation co-hosted an in-person roundtable discussion in Copenhagen to explore key aspects of the quantum technology ecosystem, given the rapid global advancements in cutting-edge research and innovation in the field. This was the second in a series of events aimed at bringing together thought leaders, researchers, industry experts and policymakers who are committed to shaping the future of quantum technologies.2 The inaugural roundtable had taken place in London in November 2023, where discussions centred on ideas for promoting innovation while ensuring a safe and equitable future enabled by quantum technologies. The focus of this roundtable was on two critical issues that are likely to shape the direction of this rapidly progressing field: development of skills and talent, and the strengthening of supply chains (see Box 1 for an overview of the broad topics discussed at the roundtable and Box 2 for definitions of key terms).
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