Skills Required for Quantum Computing: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Studies
Reyes Juárez‐Ramírez, Samantha Jiménez, Christian Xavier Navarro Cota, César Arturo Guerra García, Héctor G. Pérez‐González, Carlos Alberto Fernández-y-Fernández, Javier Ortiz-Hernández, Karina Cancino Villatoro
Abstract Quantum mechanics as the basis of quantum computing imposes an inherent complexity for practitioners not formed on quantum physics, for understanding such new paradigm of computation and getting involved in the prominent quantum world. Strong technical skills on quantum topics, mathematics and related disciplines are required to attend job positions in the labor market. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary environment where quantum computing is immersed requires soft skills to work in integrative teams. This paper presents a literature review, supported by the systematic mapping methodology, to gather the core knowledge and technical skills, as well as soft skills required to prepare students and practitioners to work on quantum computing. The results allow us to have a wide spectrum of the competences involved, enabling academic institutions and educational bodies to design individual courses or curricula blocks to prepare the workforce.
Abstract Quantum mechanics as the basis of quantum computing imposes an inherent complexity for practitioners not formed on quantum physics, for understanding such new paradigm of computation and getting involved in the prominent quantum world. Strong technical skills on quantum topics, mathematics and related disciplines are required to attend job positions in the labor market. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary environment where quantum computing is immersed requires soft skills to work in integrative teams. This paper presents a literature review, supported by the systematic mapping methodology, to gather the core knowledge and technical skills, as well as soft skills required to prepare students and practitioners to work on quantum computing. The results allow us to have a wide spectrum of the competences involved, enabling academic institutions and educational bodies to design individual courses or curricula blocks to prepare the workforce.
Abstract Quantum technologies and computing are an emerging area which offers a new paradigm to solve complex problems using the principles of quantum mechanics, where classical computing faces limits. Due to the advantages of quantum computers, today, there are several industries focusing on different aspects of quantum technologies based on their physics to explore the most efficient and useful platform for implementing applications. Since the scope of the quantum companies is diverse, it is important to understand the education, skills, and qualifications required for different job roles, as this will aid global educational institutions in constructing concentrated disciplines in this field. This paper provides a detailed critical analysis of different job descriptions for education, skills and qualifications. Most of the qubit modalities, such as superconducting, semiconducting, topological, nitrogen-vacancy centres, ion-traps, neutral atoms, and photonics, have been covered. Additionally, quantum software domains such as quantum machine learning, cryptography and error corrections have been discussed with fields such as quantum sensors and metrology. Finally, based on the patterns, recommendations are given to enable better preparation of skills and infrastructure for educational institutes and individuals who would like to pursue a career in the field of quantum technologies.
Quantum technologies and computing are an emerging area which offers a new paradigm to solve complex problems using the principles of quantum mechanics, where classical computing faces limits. Due to the advantages of quantum computers, today, there are several industries focusing on different aspects of quantum technologies based on their physics to explore the most efficient and useful platform for implementing applications. Since the scope of the quantum companies is diverse, it is important to understand the education, skills, and qualifications required for different job roles, as this will aid global educational institutions in constructing concentrated disciplines in this field. I will be addressing most of the domains of quantum, critical Industry skills, qualifications required and demystify the requirement of PhD.
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.
Recently, there has been increasing awareness of the tremendous opportunities inherent in quantum computing (QC). Specifically, the speed and efficiency of QC will significantly impact the Internet of Things, cryptography, finance, and marketing. Accordingly, there has been increased QC research funding from national and regional governments and private firms. However, critical concerns regarding legal, political, and business-related policies germane to QC adoption exist. A few relevant studies are currently available, and those few focus heavily on the technical side of QC. Thus, this study offers a multidisciplinary review of QC, drawing on the expertise of scholars from a wide range of disciplines whose insights coalesce into a framework that simplifies the understanding of QC. This study offers a timely contribution to both practitioners and academia, as it explores use cases in business, addresses fundamental legal and political issues undermining QC’s adoption, and highlights several research gaps critical to advancing knowledge within the field.
Background: Quantum information science and technology (QIST) has progressed significantly in the last decade, such that it is no longer solely in the domain of research labs, but is now beginning to be developed for, and applied in, industrial applications and products. With the emergence of this new quantum industry, a new workforce trained in QIST skills and knowledge is needed. Research Questions: To help support the education and training of this workforce, universities and colleges require knowledge of the type of jobs available for their students and what skills and degrees are most relevant for those new jobs. What are these jobs, skills, and degrees? Methodology: We report on the results from a survey of 57 companies in the quantum industry, with the goal of elucidating the jobs, skills, and degrees that are relevant for this new workforce. Findings: We find a range of job opportunities from highly specific jobs, such as quantum algorithm developer and error correction scientist, to broader jobs categories within the business, software, and hardware sectors. These broader jobs require a range of skills, most of which are not quantum related. Furthermore, except for the highly specific jobs, companies that responded to the survey are looking for a range of degree levels to fill these new positions, from bachelors to masters to Ph.D.s. Contribution: With this knowledge, students, instructors, and university administrators can make informed decisions about how to address the challenge of increasing the future quantum workforce.
Though research on quantum computing continues at a good pace, learning quantum computing requires a deep and clear level of knowledge of a range of domains that diverge from classical computer science. There are not quantum computing interfaces that facilitate learning this new paradigm, only those to illustrate some quantum computations with some accompanying documentation. Moreover, in this documentation, science is mixed with technology without a clear distinction between the underlying mathematics and physics concepts. We consider that this must be addressed in the first place in order to create proper learning environments that go beyond performing calculations without facilitating the understanding of the core of quantum computing concepts and their implications. This is a new research line, dealing with the design of quantum computing interfaces integrating science and technology.