These days, talk of quantum technologies and the coming ‘quantum revolution’ or ‘quantum leap’ is hard to miss. There is a broad agreement that quantum technologies have a high probability of becoming the next disruptive technological development, and the way they should be regulated and the timing of such intervention are issues that are attracting increasing attention. An analysis of how these questions are being considered now, in the early stages of technological development, can be valuable in predicting future lines of regulation, identifying their possible consequences and steering technological development in desirable directions. This article analyses academic scholarship on the regulation of quantum technology, with a focus on quantum computing, to identify common topics, values and positions on its governance in the academic literature and to discuss patterns that are emerging.
These days, talk of quantum technologies and the coming ‘quantum revolution’ or ‘quantum leap’ is hard to miss. There is a broad agreement that quantum technologies have a high probability of becoming the next disruptive technological development, and the way they should be regulated and the timing of such intervention are issues that are attracting increasing attention. An analysis of how these questions are being considered now, in the early stages of technological development, can be valuable in predicting future lines of regulation, identifying their possible consequences and steering technological development in desirable directions. This article analyses academic scholarship on the regulation of quantum technology, with a focus on quantum computing, to identify common topics, values and positions on its governance in the academic literature and to discuss patterns that are emerging.
The rapid advancement of quantum computing technology presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges for global governance. This comprehensive study examines the current landscape of international quantum computing regulation, exploring the delicate balance between fostering innovation and addressing security concerns. Through a mixed-methods approach, including policy analysis, expert interviews, and case studies of key countries and regions, we identify significant fragmentation in regulatory approaches, a pressing need for standardization, and ethical considerations that demand immediate attention. Our findings reveal strong stakeholder support for international cooperation, despite geopolitical tensions, and highlight the risk of a growing "quantum divide" between nations. Based on these insights, we propose a series of recommendations, including the establishment of an International Quantum Governance Forum, the adoption of a risk-based adaptive regulatory framework, and the implementation of a Global Quantum Literacy Initiative. This research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on quantum technology governance and provides a roadmap for policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to navigate the complexities of regulating this transformative technology. By addressing these challenges proactively, we can harness the full potential of quantum computing while mitigating its risks, ultimately shaping a quantum future that benefits all of humanity.
Quantum computing is a potentially highly-disruptive technology for several domains across the Computer Science field. However, many technological challenges still prevent the construction of a fault-tolerant and reliable quantum computer. These challenges sparked enormous interest in the scientific community, which led to the development of several independent strands of research. Consequently, research in the quantum computing domain is fragmented, making it highly specialized. This can lead to missed opportunities in identifying valuable research directions and contributions from neighboring research areas. For these reasons, this paper provides an overview of the current state of play in quantum computing for different quantum research areas at different layers of the development stack. Furthermore, for each of them, we highlight possible new outlooks that could be pivotal in the near future.
Quantum computing (QC) is an emerging technology with transformative potential that remains in development and that promises significant impacts across a broad spectrum of industrial sectors. Small and medium enterprises, large corporations, and academic institutions are investing substantial resources to make this promising technology a commercial reality. Given the fragmented nature of current QC initiatives and the diverse development pathways being pursued to commercialize them, establishing coordinated standardization efforts across different global regions is critical to accelerate progress and ensure interoperability between the various proposed hardware and software solutions. This paper reviews recent standardization efforts and the main standards developing organizations working on the definition of future QC products. Finally, it analyzes the current discussion on the European Commission planned Quantum Act and its potential effects on the QC community.
Quantum computing is rapidly emerging as a transformative technological paradigm with the potential to disrupt cryptography, optimization, material science, and artificial intelligence. However, its dual-use nature introduces profound regulatory, ethical, and geopolitical challenges. This paper explores the governance landscape of quantum computing, emphasizing the need for anticipatory policy frameworks, international coordination, and responsible innovation mechanisms. It highlights risks related to cybersecurity, algorithmic inequality, and technological monopolization. The study proposes a multi-layered regulatory model integrating national strategies, global treaties, and industry self-regulation to ensure equitable and secure quantum development
Quantum computing has evolved from a largely theoretical discipline into a field of growing interest for commercial and industrial applications. Recent advances in quantum hardware, algorithms, and cloud-based access have enabled early experimentation outside academic environments, raising questions about its potential impact on real-world decision-making and operational problems. This paper provides an overview of the current state of quantum computing with a focus on its emerging relevance in commercial contexts. It examines the categories of problems that have attracted attention from industry, particularly those involving high combinatorial complexity such as optimization, scheduling, logistics, and resource allocation. The analysis also reviews the global landscape of companies and initiatives engaged in quantum computing, highlighting different technological approaches, maturity levels, and regional characteristics. In parallel, the paper discusses the principal challenges and limitations that constrain widespread adoption, including hardware immaturity, algorithmic readiness, cost factors, and organizational requirements. By considering both opportunities and risks, this study aims to present a balanced and realistic perspective on the role quantum computing may play in business environments. The objective is to clarify the current position of quantum computing within the broader technological landscape and to support informed interpretation of its potential, limitations, and future trajectory in commercial applications.