Purpose This study aims to clarify the status of national strategies regarding quantum computing (QC) technology and evaluate whether and how governments worldwide are aware of potential threats and benefits, as well as anticipate actions, drawing from recent experiences in artificial intelligence. Design/methodology/approach Extensive research was conducted on academic papers, national strategies, policy documents, government official statements and reports and announcements from major technology companies. Findings The geopolitical dynamics for QC reveal a complex scenario influenced by defence strategies and research efforts aimed at gaining competitive advantages. However, a quantum future that addresses social challenges seems weak in national strategies. Originality/value Given the paucity of the QC literature in public management, this study encourages proactive governance research on disruptive technologies, such as QC.
Purpose This study aims to clarify the status of national strategies regarding quantum computing (QC) technology and evaluate whether and how governments worldwide are aware of potential threats and benefits, as well as anticipate actions, drawing from recent experiences in artificial intelligence. Design/methodology/approach Extensive research was conducted on academic papers, national strategies, policy documents, government official statements and reports and announcements from major technology companies. Findings The geopolitical dynamics for QC reveal a complex scenario influenced by defence strategies and research efforts aimed at gaining competitive advantages. However, a quantum future that addresses social challenges seems weak in national strategies. Originality/value Given the paucity of the QC literature in public management, this study encourages proactive governance research on disruptive technologies, such as QC.
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
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 emerging as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, with significant implications for business strategy, workforce development, education systems, and global economic competitiveness. This paper introduces the foundational principles of quantum computing, including superposition, entanglement, interference, and decoherence, and explains how these mechanisms enable quantum systems to outperform classical computers in solving complex problems. It further examines the potential applications of quantum computing across industries such as pharmaceuticals, finance, automotive engineering, artificial intelligence, and logistics, highlighting both opportunities for innovation and risks of disruption. Attention is given to anticipated labor market shifts, the growing need for quantum literacy in higher education and professional training, and the relationship between quantum technologies and artificial intelligence acceleration. The paper also explores broader societal and demographic implications, including the risk of widening technological inequality between developed and developing nations. Ultimately, the study argues that while quantum computing presents unprecedented opportunities for economic advancement and scientific discovery, proactive policy planning, educational adaptation, and international collaboration will be essential to ensure inclusive and sustainable adoption.
The 21st century is confronting profound transformations driven by emerging technologies, notably quantum computing, which promises opportunities and risks. As industries and governments invest heavily in quantum capabilities, the looming threat of quantum computers compromising current encryption schemes has prompted the exploration of postquantum systems. This research surveys quantum technologies and reviews existing and proposed quantum policies, particularly cybersecurity, to address critical policy challenges encompassing full-spectrum quantum computing development. Our retrospective literature review and prospective analysis reveal that the research and innovation trajectory involving quantum computing technologies will mature within the next decade. With geopolitical actors gaining access to cloud-based quantum computers, more stakeholders will engage with these nascent technologies, presenting new opportunities and risks. We argue that misaligned proposals, not sufficiently aligned with strategic policy, could hinder the adoption of emerging technologies and undermine national security. This thesis analyzes and addresses these issues and provides recommendations to enhance quantum computing security analysis and reshape geopolitical policies to effectively counter the imminent threats to national security.
Quantum technologies are rapidly emerging as a transformative force with profound implications for critical infrastructures, national security, and global governance. Quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing promise unprecedented advances in data processing, secure communications, and environmental and infrastructure monitoring. At the same time, their disruptive potential introduces new ethical, security, and geopolitical risks, particularly for systems that underpin modern societies such as energy networks, telecommunications, finance, transportation, and defence infrastructures. This paper examines the governance of quantum technologies for critical infrastructures, moving from ethical impact assessment to the formulation of coherent national strategies. The study argues that the unique characteristics of quantum technologies — including their high degree of complexity, dual-use nature, and capacity to undermine existing cryptographic and security frameworks — require a shift from reactive regulation to anticipatory and responsible governance. Traditional regulatory approaches are insufficient to address the speed, uncertainty, and strategic relevance of quantum innovation. Instead, the paper emphasizes the need to integrate ethical impact assessment, risk analysis, and societal considerations at the earliest stages of research, development, and deployment. Ethical governance is presented not as a constraint on innovation, but as a foundational element for ensuring trust, resilience, and long-term sustainability. The analysis situates quantum governance within a broader geopolitical context, highlighting how major global actors are investing in quantum capabilities as strategic assets. This competition increases the urgency for coordinated governance frameworks that balance technological sovereignty, security, and international cooperation. Particular attention is given to the protection of critical infrastructures and the transition towards quantum-safe systems, especially in the field of cybersecurity and secure communications. Finally, the paper outlines the implications for national and European strategies, stressing the importance of multi-level governance involving governments, international organisations, industry, and research institutions. It concludes that only a holistic approach — combining ethical foresight, anticipatory governance, and strategic planning — can ensure that quantum technologies enhance societal resilience and security rather than exacerbate systemic vulnerabilities. In this sense, quantum governance becomes a central component of future national strategies for critical infrastructure protection and technological leadership.
Quantum technologies are increasingly moving from specialist laboratories into the strategic agenda of governments, industries, and international organisations. Quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing are expected to reshape cybersecurity, scientific discovery, industrial productivity, public infrastructure, and national competitiveness. Yet the same technologies also raise complex governance challenges, including cryptographic vulnerability, dual-use risks, technological inequality, workforce shortages, procurement uncertainty, and the concentration of innovation capacity in a small number of advanced economies. This article develops an adaptive public administration framework for responsible quantum technology governance. Using qualitative document-based policy analysis, the study examines international policy documents, responsible innovation literature, quantum technology roadmaps, post-quantum cryptography guidance, and emerging governance principles. The article argues that quantum technologies should not be governed only as technical artefacts or national security assets, but also as public policy objects whose societal consequences require anticipatory, inclusive, and institutionally coordinated governance. The proposed Quantum Public Administration Governance Framework consists of five interrelated dimensions: foresight and anticipatory intelligence, cybersecurity and cryptographic readiness, institutional coordination, responsible innovation and public value, and equity-oriented capacity building. The findings suggest that public administrations need to build quantum literacy, establish cross-sector coordination mechanisms, prepare digital infrastructure for post-quantum risks, support ethical and socially beneficial innovation, and prevent the emergence of a global and domestic quantum divide. The article contributes to public administration scholarship by translating the technical uncertainty of quantum technologies into a governance agenda that is relevant for policy makers, public managers, and emerging economies seeking to participate responsibly in the second quantum revolution.