Abstract As quantum technologies (QT) advance, their potential impact on and relation with society has been developing into an important issue for exploration. In this paper, we investigate the topic of democratization in the context of QT, particularly quantum computing. The paper contains three main sections. First, we briefly introduce different theories of democracy (participatory, representative, and deliberative) and how the concept of democratization can be formulated with respect to whether democracy is taken as an intrinsic or instrumental value. Second, we give an overview of how the concept of democratization is used in the QT field. Democratization is mainly adopted by companies working on quantum computing and used in a very narrow understanding of the concept. Third, we explore various narratives and counter-narratives concerning democratization in QT. Finally, we explore the general efforts of democratization in QT such as different forms of access, formation of grassroot communities and special interest groups, the emerging culture of manifesto writing, and how these can be located within the different theories of democracy. In conclusion, we argue that although the ongoing efforts in the democratization of QT are necessary steps towards the democratization of this set of emerging technologies, they should not be accepted as sufficient to argue that QT is a democratized field. We argue that more reflexivity and responsiveness regarding the narratives and actions adopted by the actors in the QT field and making the underlying assumptions of ongoing efforts on democratization of QT explicit, can result in a better technology for society.
Abstract As quantum technologies (QT) advance, their potential impact on and relation with society has been developing into an important issue for exploration. In this paper, we investigate the topic of democratization in the context of QT, particularly quantum computing. The paper contains three main sections. First, we briefly introduce different theories of democracy (participatory, representative, and deliberative) and how the concept of democratization can be formulated with respect to whether democracy is taken as an intrinsic or instrumental value. Second, we give an overview of how the concept of democratization is used in the QT field. Democratization is mainly adopted by companies working on quantum computing and used in a very narrow understanding of the concept. Third, we explore various narratives and counter-narratives concerning democratization in QT. Finally, we explore the general efforts of democratization in QT such as different forms of access, formation of grassroot communities and special interest groups, the emerging culture of manifesto writing, and how these can be located within the different theories of democracy. In conclusion, we argue that although the ongoing efforts in the democratization of QT are necessary steps towards the democratization of this set of emerging technologies, they should not be accepted as sufficient to argue that QT is a democratized field. We argue that more reflexivity and responsiveness regarding the narratives and actions adopted by the actors in the QT field and making the underlying assumptions of ongoing efforts on democratization of QT explicit, can result in a better technology for society.
Visions of future technologies shape their development trajectories, making them important objects of ethical analysis. This paper examines contemporary visions of quantum computing and the futures they project. First, we analyse vision statements by key actors in the field, focusing on anticipated technical affordances, the applications these give rise to, their associated domains, and the value-laden terms used to describe these projections. Drawing on these insights, we distil four main visions of quantum computing, each framing its societal relevance differently: as a contributor to the public good, a scientific tool, an economic asset, or a geopolitical advantage. Second, we highlight ethically salient patterns and presuppositions embedded within these visions, including a pervasive techno-optimism paired with techno-solutionist reasoning; the prevalence of promissory language used to legitimise innovation agendas; and a morally ambivalent discourse shaped by the interests of a narrow group of powerful actors. Taken together, these features form a figurative heatmap of potential ethical concerns in contemporary visions of quantum computing that warrant closer ethical scrutiny and point to avenues for further research.
Quantum Computing (QC) represents a class of technologies that harness fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, particularly superposition and entanglement, to process, transmit, and secure information in ways unattainable by classical systems [1]. Positioned at the core of Quantum Information and Communication Technologies (QICT) [2], QC is central to the ongoing Second Quantum Revolution, driving innovation infrastructures and redefining capabilities in computation, networking, and secure information exchange at fundamental levels [3]. Unlike the first quantum revolution, which focused on physics and laboratory experiments, today's Quantum technology (QT) applications are inherently digital, dependent on and deeply integrated within the digital stack, relying on cloud platforms, high-performance computing, advanced telecommunications, and potentially converging with other emerging digital technologies (EDT) such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT) [4], [5], offering new paradigms for the digital economy and society [6]. While there remains considerable uncertainty regarding their practical, scalable applications, the disruptive potential of QC is increasingly recognized [7] with profound ethical, legal, social, and policy implications [8] and a need for practical approaches to their governance [9]. QC is not a standalone technology, but operates as a complex innovation ecosystem where research, policy, markets, and ethics co-evolve [10].
The ongoing second quantum revolution, marked by advancements harnessing quantum phenomena, has permeated various fields, including communications, computation, and networking, collectively known as quantum technologies (QTs). Quantum computing, a focal point within QT, has led to the emergence of quantum games, a novel research and development area exploring creative applications of quantum computing in game development. While more than 300 quantum games have been developed by enthusiasts and commercial parties, a comprehensive research program or state-of-the-art review is notably absent. This article addresses this gap by conducting a thorough literature review, presenting current advancements and examples in quantum games and interactive designs, and exploring future prospects for QT in game development practices.
This article investigates the impact of quantum computing (QC) as an emerging technology with the potential to benefit businesses and their technological infrastructure. The main objective is to describe the challenges organizations face when adopting it, as well as the opportunities it offers in increasingly competitive and strategically complex markets driven by exponential growth. The study also identified that, while quantum computing promises to revolutionize areas such as resource optimization, productivity efficiency, and the simulation of future scenarios—enabling better-informed decision-making and risk mitigation—its implementation encounters significant obstacles: high costs, the need for specialized talent, and new security risks. To address these barriers, hybrid models combining cloud and local infrastructure, as well as microservices, have emerged as practical alternatives, enabling organizations to access this technology without requiring substantial initial investment. Ultimately, this research contributes to the academic discussion that quantum computing is not a replacement but rather a complement that can be integrated gradually and carefully. The path forward requires efforts in education and policy to ensure accessible and ethical development, preventing it from becoming a tool reserved for only a few.
Abstract Quantum technologies (QT) are being awaited with excitement. They are supported by many governments, the corporate sector, international bodies and technology forecasters. There is discursive investment as well in terms of creating expectations and laying down a vision for the ‘Second Quantum Revolution’. Science and technology studies are also playing their part to think of the quantum future along with philosophical discussions around it. These visions and expectations perform an implicit and latent function of steering policy proposals and governance. At the current stage of development of quantum technologies, a comprehensive and cogent legal framework is hard to envisage. As it is difficult to foresee the final shape of these technologies, a way to proceed can be to focus on the legal enquiry related to economic, political and policy factors which contribute to its material emergence. This can broaden the focus from thinking about its impact to contextualizing its production and development. Further, it allows a way of determining the extent to which social science and ethical frames can apply to the governance of QT, given the legal and practical realities of technology production and use. This article maps the myriad governance frameworks being envisaged to think about the future of QT. It zooms onto the discussion related to the access divide being framed for QT to understand the points of legal intervention. It uses the case of quantum computing to understand the way legal and practical policy solutions have been ideated. It highlights the way these solutions entrench power of digital infrastructure providers further. This seeks to motivate further work to expand the scope of a legal framework for QT.
Quantum computing, a novel technology that promises to revolutionize computation, has become a topic of interest for multiple communities regarding the opportunities and challenges it might pose. Nevertheless, as it’s still under development, it’s hard to measure its potential impact on businesses and society. Making informed decisions to collaborate, understand, and develop this technology becomes challenging. This extended abstract explores the perceptions of how different communities understand quantum computing, following a case study approach adopting a boundary object perspective to make sense of the various communities' agreements, disagreements, and tensions. The data collection process is ongoing, and participation in the TREO Forum is expected to help enhance the richness and robustness of the research to make it a potentially publishable paper.