Abstract The emergence of quantum technologies has led to groundbreaking advancements in computing, sensing, secure communications, and simulation of advanced materials with practical applications in every industry sector. The rapid advancement of the quantum technologies ecosystem has made it imperative to assess the maturity of these technologies and their imminent acceleration towards commercial viability. The current status of quantum technologies is presented and the need for a quantum‐ready ecosystem is emphasised. Standard Quantum Technology Readiness Levels (QTRLs) are formulated and innovative models and tools are defined to evaluate the readiness of specific quantum technology. In addition to QTRLs, Quantum Commercial Readiness Levels (QCRLs) is introduced to provide a robust framework for evaluating the commercial viability and market readiness of quantum technologies. Furthermore, relevant indicators concerning key stakeholders, including government, industry, and academia are discussed and ethics and protocols implications are described, to deepen the understanding of the readiness for quantum technology and to support the development of a robust and effective quantum ecosystem.
Abstract The emergence of quantum technologies has led to groundbreaking advancements in computing, sensing, secure communications, and simulation of advanced materials with practical applications in every industry sector. The rapid advancement of the quantum technologies ecosystem has made it imperative to assess the maturity of these technologies and their imminent acceleration towards commercial viability. The current status of quantum technologies is presented and the need for a quantum‐ready ecosystem is emphasised. Standard Quantum Technology Readiness Levels (QTRLs) are formulated and innovative models and tools are defined to evaluate the readiness of specific quantum technology. In addition to QTRLs, Quantum Commercial Readiness Levels (QCRLs) is introduced to provide a robust framework for evaluating the commercial viability and market readiness of quantum technologies. Furthermore, relevant indicators concerning key stakeholders, including government, industry, and academia are discussed and ethics and protocols implications are described, to deepen the understanding of the readiness for quantum technology and to support the development of a robust and effective quantum ecosystem.
Quantum computing is becoming operationally relevant, presenting latent risks and opportunities for enterprise organisations. The timetable for large-scale quantum advantage is uncertain, yet cybersecurity, compliance, systems architecture and innovation are increasingly becoming evident. Data protected under current encryption standards may become vulnerable to quantum-enabled decryption, and regulatory expectations are beginning to reflect long-term cryptographic risks. This white paper defines quantum readiness as a strategic enterprise discipline focused on assessing exposure, preparing internal capabilities, and enabling structured engagement. It defines six capability domains where investment is required: cryptographic transition, workforce development, governance alignment, compliance frameworks, innovation acceleration, and ecosystem partnerships. Each domain is a lever for managing risk and enabling future participation in quantum-related developments. A phased implementation path is proposed based on three stages: Assess, Strategise and Operationalise. This model enables organisations to initiate internal diagnostics and planning, followed by capability building, pilot activity, and integration into governance structures. The approach supports proportional investment while maintaining flexibility in response to emerging technological and regulatory signals. Rather than requiring immediate adoption of quantum technologies, quantum readiness calls for precise planning, institutional awareness, and measured progression. To be better positioned to manage disruption and capture future value as the technology matures, enterprise leaders must act early to define their posture and build foundational capability.
Recent advancement in quantum computing has shined a light on potentials for tackling computational problems and has drawn significant attention from sectors like healthcare and finance. Because of the rapid evolution in quantum technology and the notable distinction between traditional and quantum approaches, a new standard to guide the operationalization of quantum solutions and assess the readiness level is needed. In this paper, we construct and analyze the organizational readiness levels for the development and deployment of quantum solutions based on the original Technology Readiness Level (TRL) [1] while naming the risks from both ethical and regulatory perspectives. The main goal is to provide a comprehensive alignment and direction on how businesses, industries and governments can prepare for and leverage quantum technologies responsibly. Finally, to uncover the practical benefits of adopting this Responsible Quantum Readiness framework, we present a hypothetical case study in the financial service industry.
Quantum technologies hold immense potential to revolutionise industries, society and our way of life. However, unlocking its benefits requires a balanced approach; one that acknowledges its vast potential while proactively addressing the potential risks and unforeseen challenges. This position paper introduces the concept of quantum readiness - a proactive and multifaceted strategy that equips government, industry, academia, and civil society to responsibly navigate the quantum landscape. Quantum readiness encompasses two key aspects: general quantum readiness for leveraging the potential benefits of quantum technologies, and quantum cyber readiness to address the unique cybersecurity risks and challenges posed by these advancements. A proactive approach to quantum readiness can unlock unprecedented opportunities for businesses, government, academia, and civil society, while mitigating emerging (cyber) risks and ensuring a secure, competitive, and sustainable future. We also propose a systematic approach, guided by responsible innovation theory, for assessing the quantum readiness of industry sectors. We are currently applying it to assess the quantum readiness of Australian industry to identify critical gaps, vulnerabilities, and potential opportunities. This assessment will provide actionable insights to policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, enabling them to enhance Australia's overall quantum readiness and position itself as a global leader in responsible quantum technology development and adoption.
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 potential impact of quantum computing on various industries such as finance, healthcare, cryptography, and transportation is significant; therefore, sectors face challenges in understanding where to start because of the complex nature of this technology. Starting early to explore what is supposed to be done is crucial for providing sectors with the necessary knowledge, tools, and processes to keep pace with rapid advancements in quantum computing. This article emphasizes the importance of consultancy and governance solutions that aid sectors in preparing for the quantum computing revolution. The article begins by discussing the reasons why sectors need to be prepared for quantum computing and emphasizes the importance of proactive preparation. It illustrates this point by providing a real-world example of a partnership. Subsequently, the article mentioned the benefits of quantum computing readiness, including increased competitiveness, improved security, and structured data. In addition, this article discusses the steps that various sectors can take to achieve quantum readiness, considering the potential risks and opportunities in industries. The proposed solutions for achieving quantum computing readiness include establishing a quantum computing office, contracting with major quantum computing companies, and learning from quantum computing organizations. This article provides the detailed advantages and disadvantages of each of these steps and emphasizes the need to carefully evaluate their potential drawbacks to ensure that they align with the sector’s unique needs, goals, and available resources. Finally, this article proposes various solutions and recommendations for sectors to achieve quantum-computing readiness.
Abstract Quantum computing promises to overcome computational limitations with better and faster solutions for optimization, simulation, and machine learning problems. Europe and Germany are in the process of successfully establishing research and funding programs with the objective to advance the technology’s ecosystem and industrialization, thereby ensuring digital sovereignty, security, and competitiveness. Such an ecosystem comprises hardware/software solution providers, system integrators, and users from research institutions, start-ups, and industry. The vision of the Quantum Technology and Application Consortium (QUTAC) is to establish and advance the quantum computing ecosystem, supporting the ambitious goals of the German government and various research programs. QUTAC is comprised of ten members representing different industries, in particular automotive manufacturing, chemical and pharmaceutical production, insurance, and technology. In this paper, we survey the current state of quantum computing in these sectors as well as the aerospace industry and identify the contributions of QUTAC to the ecosystem. We propose an application-centric approach for the industrialization of the technology based on proven business impact. This paper identifies 24 different use cases. By formalizing high-value use cases into well-described reference problems and benchmarks, we will guide technological progress and eventually commercialization. Our results will be beneficial to all ecosystem participants, including suppliers, system integrators, software developers, users, policymakers, funding program managers, and investors.