Font size:
Print
Global Collaboration in Quantum Technology
Context:
The global push to develop Quantum Technology (QT) has been accelerating, driven by its transformative potential in fields like computing, communication, and sensing. However, the pursuit of QT is both cost-intensive and highly specialised, requiring significant international cooperation.
Quantum technology lies at the intersection of several complex fields, including quantum theory, condensed matter physics, and computer science engineering. This makes it particularly difficult to train the necessary talent and secure the significant investment required for QT’s development. However, the potential applications of QT—ranging from breakthroughs in medicine, healthcare, and agriculture to advancing quantum simulations that could revolutionise our understanding of the universe—underscore its global significance.
Key Initiatives and Collaborations:
- Quantum Technologies Flagship: Launched by the European Union in 2018, this initiative aims to consolidate European leadership in quantum technologies with a budget of about 1 billion euros. It brings together research, private, and public institutions to drive innovation and development.
- AUKUS Quantum Arrangement: Established in 2021 between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, this arrangement focuses on developing advanced quantum capabilities and maintaining strategic technological advantages.
- Open Quantum Institute (OQI): Incubated by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) and hosted by CERN, OQI brings together stakeholders from around the world to leverage quantum computing in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Benefits of Global Collaboration:
- Shared Resources and Expertise: Collaborating globally allows for the sharing of resources, knowledge, and expertise, accelerating the development and deployment of quantum technologies.
- Innovation and Problem-Solving: International cooperation fosters innovation by bringing together diverse perspectives and approaches to tackle complex problems.
- Economic Growth: Quantum technology has the potential to drive economic growth by creating new industries and enhancing existing ones.
Challenges in Global Collaboration:
- Export Controls: Countries like the US, China, UK, and EU have enacted export control regulations due to QT’s potential military applications (e.g., quantum communication, quantum sensors) and security concerns (e.g., breaking encryption protocols).
- US export controls (2024) include restrictions on quantum computers with 34+ physical qubits, imposing national security measures.
- Military-related regulations, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), restrict cross-border investment and technology transfer.
- The China-US security rivalry exacerbates concerns, with fears over China’s advancing quantum capabilities.
- Intellectual Property Protection: Variations in national IP laws further complicate global collaboration, particularly for technologies needing specialised materials.
- The US private sector leads in QT but is wary of IP theft, exacerbated by initiatives like China’s “Thousand Talents Plan”, which recruited scientists and led to allegations of IP theft.
- Supply Chain Constraints: QT hardware development requires rare and exotic raw materials like semiconductors and rare earth metals, which are limited in supply.
- China processes 80% of the world’s rare earth metals, and other critical materials are produced only in a few countries (e.g., quantum communication materials produced mainly in China).
Efforts to Overcome Challenges:
- The Quad (Australia, India, Japan, US) has been instrumental in promoting international QT collaboration through initiatives like the Quad Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group (2021), Quad Investors Network (2023), and Quantum Center of Excellence (2023).
- The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) in the US and the Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India (QETCI) are working to enhance collaboration.
- US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and the CHIPS and Science Act (2022), as well as the European Chips Act (2023), aim to strengthen semiconductor supply chains critical for QT development.
Way Forward:
- Need for Policy Changes: Harmonising export control regulations and IP laws is vital for smoother collaboration. Continued collaboration through joint R&D, publications, and organisations like the Quad will foster progress in QT.
- Need for Evolving Norms: Rapid technological advancements necessitate updates to international norms and agreements regulating QT. Further efforts are required to overcome collaboration barriers, ensuring QT’s growth and cementing its role in humanity’s progress.
