In recent years, there has been a significant increase in developing specialized education programmes in the field of quantum science and engineering. These initiatives are complicated, multi-actor, and resource-intensive by nature, and tend to require cooperation from a range of participants. Often, a range of recommendations from numerous community members need to be taken into consideration to solve these challenges. This paper explores the challenges of developing an inclusive curriculum for second-generation quantum education (i.e., QEdu 2.0) and considers suggestions highlighted by experts from within the sector, in addition to policymakers and funding organizations (public, private, and both regional and international). This work offers recommendations for developing additional programmes, as well as providing an update on the state of education programmes in order to be compatible with QEdu 2.0. Ultimately, in order to maximize the continuous significant investments being made in quantum information science, the proposed work and its activities call for the creation of a thorough strategic plan for workforce development and quantum education.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in developing specialized education programmes in the field of quantum science and engineering. These initiatives are complicated, multi-actor, and resource-intensive by nature, and tend to require cooperation from a range of participants. Often, a range of recommendations from numerous community members need to be taken into consideration to solve these challenges. This paper explores the challenges of developing an inclusive curriculum for second-generation quantum education (i.e., QEdu 2.0) and considers suggestions highlighted by experts from within the sector, in addition to policymakers and funding organizations (public, private, and both regional and international). This work offers recommendations for developing additional programmes, as well as providing an update on the state of education programmes in order to be compatible with QEdu 2.0. Ultimately, in order to maximize the continuous significant investments being made in quantum information science, the proposed work and its activities call for the creation of a thorough strategic plan for workforce development and quantum education.
Abstract Interest in building dedicated quantum information science and engineering (QISE) education programs has greatly expanded in recent years. These programs are inherently convergent, complex, often resource intensive and likely require collaboration with a broad variety of stakeholders. In order to address this combination of challenges, we have captured ideas from many members in the community. This manuscript not only addresses policy makers and funding agencies (both public and private and from the regional to the international level) but also contains needs identified by industry leaders and discusses the difficulties inherent in creating an inclusive QISE curriculum. We report on the status of eighteen post-secondary education programs in QISE and provide guidance for building new programs. Lastly, we encourage the development of a comprehensive strategic plan for quantum education and workforce development as a means to make the most of the ongoing substantial investments being made in QISE.
Quantum-based technologies have been instrumental in the development of a whole range of devices that are used these days (such as lasers, transistors, LiDAR, GPS, MRI, and many more). These technologies that emanated from the Quantum 1.0 Revolution have become ubiquitous in modern civilization over the past 50 years. The product commercialization and mass production were enabled by scientists, researchers, engineers, and most importantly, by the skilled technological workforce. This workforce played a critical support role in transforming inventions into high-volume, marketable products. We are currently at the heart of the Second Quantum Revolution, which is fueled by the research in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensing. The scientific progress that is currently taking place in these areas is going to fundamentally change the way we sense the world around us, approach our security, and process critical information. Governments and private entities across the world have recognized the strategic importance of quantum research-enabled technologies and have invested a significant amount of money to support graduate programs and research institutions where scientists, engineers, and other professionals are earning advanced degrees and immediately being engaged in active Quantum 2.0 research. To the best of our knowledge, and despite considerable investment in quantum research, no active efforts or programs exist that would train a quantum technological workforce at the technician level to support Quantum 2.0. The quantum industry, on the other side, has clearly identified the need for highly skilled quantum technicians that are able to support the commercialization of the new products and inventions. The lack of a trained quantum technician workforce is a major shortcoming that may have a profound negative impact on the long-term prospects and sustainability of the emerging quantum industry. The EdQuantum project, funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, is an effort to close this shortcoming and propose a well-defined curriculum through which the incumbent photonic and laser technicians in the United States will be upskilled with the new skills and competencies from quantum research-enabled technologies. This paper presents the results of the first phase of the EdQuantum project—the quantum industry survey. Over the last few months, we sought input from the quantum industry as to what skills and competencies should a future quantum technician possess to support its emerging needs. The results collected during the survey are presented in this paper along with their impact on the proposed educational curriculum. This paper also elaborates on the alignment of the proposed curriculum with a few ongoing initiatives in the skilled technical workforce education (such as NSB Vision 2030, Convergence Accelerators Initiative, and Skilled Technical Workforce Initiative).
Quantum technologies are increasingly recognized as a strategic priority for economic competitiveness, national security, and technological innovation in the United States. As quantum systems transition from research prototypes to deployable technologies, attention has shifted toward the preparedness of the quantum workforce, particularly the alignment between higher education and industry skill needs. While prior research has examined individual aspects of quantum education or workforce demand, few studies integrate systematic curriculum analysis with documented industry expectations. This study addresses that gap by analyzing primary U.S. masters programs in quantum science and technology, focusing on curriculum structure and skill development. Using a structured coding framework, course offerings were mapped across six quantum-relevant skill categories and aggregated to produce program-level skill profiles. These profiles were then compared with industry-identified competencies reported in recent workforce studies. The findings reveal strong emphasis on quantum theory across programs, alongside substantial variability in technical skills, applied learning opportunities, and professional development components. The results highlight areas of alignment as well as persistent gaps related to workforce readiness, cross-disciplinary integration, and emerging technological demands. This study provides a scalable framework for evaluating quantum education programs and offers evidence-based insights for curriculum design, workforce policy, and the continued development of the U.S. quantum ecosystem.
With the increasing industrial relevance of new quantum technologies, a well-educated quantum workforce becomes increasingly crucial.The foreseeable lack of workforce raises important questions.What are the expectations regarding the future relevance of second-generation quantum technologies?What are the requirements for the workforce in the coming quantum industry?Which competences, knowledge, and skills should future employees have?In this paper, we report the results of our study that were aimed at mapping requirements and forecasts for the future quantum workforce.Our study consisted of three consecutive survey rounds.In total, we gathered 188 responses from industry and academic experts across Europe.Our study results served as an input for the development of the European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies, delivered by the project QTEdu CSA for the European Quantum Flagship.In addition, we will discuss predictions from experts related to the future quantum workforce, including the expected industrial relevance of the main areas of quantum technologies, the need for educational efforts, and the expected influence of quantum technologies on everyday life.
Quantum information science and engineering (QISE) is advancing rapidly, creating an urgent demand for a quantum-literate, technically proficient workforce. Despite this need, quantum education initiatives remain fragmented across regions, educational levels, and instructional approaches, which constrains their scalability and overall impact. This paper offers a structured analysis of the current quantum education ecosystem by synthesizing global initiatives, pedagogical strategies, and emerging trends. Quantum education is examined through a dual framework that considers both learner progression and instructional methodology, emphasizing the evolution of educational approaches from conceptual exposure to formal reasoning and practical application. Analysis of data from international programs and academic literature reveals key challenges, including inequitable access, absence of standardized curricula, limited empirical evaluation, and discontinuities between educational stages. Quantum education is more accurately conceptualized as a non-linear ecosystem rather than a traditional pipeline, characterized by multiple entry points, feedback mechanisms, and critical transition gaps. Based on this perspective, directions are proposed for developing more coherent, inclusive, and scalable educational frameworks that align with workforce requirements and technological progress. This work presents a unified perspective on the quantum education landscape and outlines actionable strategies to enhance global quantum literacy and workforce preparedness.
Quantum Education (QE) has gained worldwide importance due to the fast development of Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE). As per the strategy, quantum technology may spur innovation across industries and boost economic growth. Quantum computing research output and investment differ between developing and industrialized countries, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to close the gap. Consequently, while developed nations have advanced much in quantum research and development, underdeveloped countries still confront resource restrictions, limited infrastructure, and knowledge gaps hindering QE. This paper systematically reviews the environment, difficulties, and solutions for QE in developing countries. QE projects in numerous countries are examined, emphasizing tertiary education and institutes that provide quantum-related courses. A roadmap includes identifying learning goals, building thorough courses, encouraging collaboration, using online platforms, and evaluating and giving feedback. Transdisciplinary learning, hands-on experience, and ongoing learning are emphasized in training quantum workers. International cooperation and partnerships encourage knowledge exchange and resource allocation. The research suggests that underdeveloped nations must work together to overcome obstacles and realize quantum education’s revolutionary potential. Policymakers, educators, and stakeholders can enable these countries to engage in the quantum revolution by executing the equitable quantum technology access roadmap. The general objective of this systematic review is to analyze the current state of quantum education in developing countries, identifying challenges, gaps, and strategies to promote its implementation. The specific objectives are to: (1) identify and classify academic initiatives and research centers in quantum education across emerging economies; (2) examine the infrastructural, financial, and policy barriers hindering quantum workforce development, including digital connectivity and teacher preparedness; (3) compare quantum readiness across countries and regions using educational, scientific, and technological indicators; and (4) propose strategic guidelines for equitable global quantum advancement through curriculum reform, international collaboration, and workforce policy.