What is the “responsible quantum technologies” movement? | Explained

The United Nations recently declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). Many events will be dedicated to quantum science and technology (S&T), including to raise awareness of its concepts and explore its benefits for humanity.

Applications of quantum mechanics are an emerging technology, but quantum science and technology have not yet attracted the public attention of artificial intelligence (AI) or genome editing. However, applications of quantum science and technology in three areas—quantum computing, quantum sensors, and quantum communications—are at different stages of development around the world.

What is responsible quantum science and technology?

Quantum science and technology is part of many governments’ “science and technology plans” and is attracting significant private investment. According to an estimate by consultancy McKinsey last year, four sectors – automotive, chemicals, financial services and life sciences – are expected to gain around $1.3 trillion in value by 2035 from quantum science and technology. Among the investments made by countries, China leads with $10 billion in 2022, followed by the European Union and the United States. India’s contribution currently stands at $730 million (Rs 6,100 crore).

The value of quantum science and technology lies in transforming our abilities to transmit and exploit information across sectors. But they also carry a risk of misuse due to their dual-use potential, such as weakening digital security.

Researchers and some governments are therefore calling for responsible use of quantum technologies in order to harness the value of quantum science and technology while building public trust. This is why, for example, the UK’s “National Quantum Strategy” states: “We will ensure that regulatory frameworks support responsible innovation and the delivery of benefits for the UK, while protecting and growing the UK’s quantum economy and capabilities.”

What is quantum governance?

The World Economic Forum (WEF) was one of the first organizations to discuss quantum computing governance. Its “quantum governance” framework is based on the principles of transparency, inclusion, accessibility, non-maleficence, equity, accountability and the common good. The members of this framework are representatives from national government agencies, academic institutions and private sector leaders (including in India).

The WEF’s goal is to accelerate the development of responsible quantum computing by building trust in the technology as it develops to anticipate and mitigate potential risks. The advantage of the framework is that it addresses responsible development up front rather than behind the scenes.

IBM, a leading global player in quantum computing and a member of the World Economic Forum’s initiative, also said its efforts to advance quantum science and technology will focus on positive social impact and building a diverse and inclusive quantum community. According to the company, its contracts prohibit the use of its quantum products in potentially dangerous applications and encourage the development of technologies that can protect organizations from the misuse of quantum computers.

The reality is, of course, not that simple. For example, a white paper published in the last week of June by Ernst & Young and the Responsible Technology Institute (RTI) at the University of Oxford warns against exaggerated expectations and overestimating our understanding of ethical issues. In particular, it highlights the gaps between countries in terms of quantum science and technology capabilities and believes that lack of access to talent and technologies could further widen these gaps.

From another perspective, a group of academics from the United States, Canada, and Europe recently proposed another framework for responsible quantum technologies. The group proposed 10 principles to guide applications of quantum science and technology, as well as their RRI values. “RRI” stands for “responsible research and information,” a concept and practice endorsed by the European Commission. Many institutions around the world, including funding agencies, have adopted it; it emphasizes “anticipation,” “reflection,” “diversity,” and “inclusion,” while also emphasizing public engagement and ethical considerations.

What do countries want?

These frameworks and initiatives are largely driven by researchers and are united in their desire to maintain openness. National policies, for their part, favor frameworks that provide greater and stronger protection of intellectual property rights with respect to quantum technologies.

For example, the United States National Quantum Strategy clearly states that “the government must work to protect quantum research and development and intellectual property, and to safeguard relevant technologies and materials. Agencies charged with promoting or protecting quantum technologies must understand the security implications.”

Similarly, it might be naïve to think that the private sector, with its large investments and its desire for patents and profits, will favour sharing and openness for the sake of responsible quantum technologies. There may be exceptional circumstances, but they will not be the norm. This is why the Open Quantum Institute, launched by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator and hosted by CERN, is important: it has the support of the private sector and can work on quantum technologies for all, at least to some extent.

What is the impact of policies?

Unfortunately, there are not yet many case studies on the impact of policy frameworks that have integrated responsible innovation into quantum science and technology. One such study, published by researchers at the University of Oxford in 2021, highlighted the need for a more detailed understanding of the UK government’s “responsibilities”.

Despite these challenges, the fact remains that researchers, private entities and governments have expressed their interest in thinking about the responsible dimension of the development of quantum science and technology. The search for responsible quantum technologies cannot be considered a gimmick.

This is encouraging, although it is not yet clear how, or if, their engagement will translate into more meaningful policies and regulations.

Krishna Ravi Srinivas is Assistant Professor of Law, NALSAR Law University, Hyderabad; Consultant, RIS, New Delhi; and Associate Professor, CeRAI, IIT Madras.