The recent proclamation by the United Nations designating 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) has brought attention to the responsible quantum technologies movement. This initiative seeks to raise awareness about the concepts of quantum science and technology and explore the potential benefits for humanity through a variety of events and activities.
Quantum science and technology (S&T) encompass a broad range of applications, including quantum computing, sensors, and communications, each at different stages of global development. Despite not being as widely acknowledged as artificial intelligence (AI) or genome editing, quantum S&T has attracted significant attention in government plans and private sector investments. Projections suggest that by 2035, quantum S&T could generate a value gain of around $1.3 trillion in sectors such as automotive, chemicals, financial services, and life sciences.
The transformative potential of quantum S&T in information transmission and utilization is considerable. However, the dual-use nature of these technologies also presents risks, particularly in terms of digital security. To address these concerns, researchers and governments have advocated for responsible quantum technologies to harness the benefits of quantum S&T while ensuring public trust in their applications.
Institutional frameworks such as the ‘Quantum Governance’ model by the World Economic Forum (WEF) prioritize principles such as transparency, inclusiveness, accessibility, non-maleficence, equitability, accountability, and the common good. The objective is to build trust in quantum computing technologies and mitigate potential risks during their development process. Major industry players like IBM have also committed to developing quantum S&T with a focus on positive social impact and inclusive community building, while imposing restrictions on potentially harmful applications.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist in terms of inflated expectations, ethical considerations, and global disparities in quantum S&T capacities. The Responsible Technology Institute of the University of Oxford has emphasized the need for a realistic understanding of ethical issues and public engagement. Additionally, a group of academics has proposed a framework for responsible quantum technologies, underscoring the importance of responsible research and information (RRI) values such as ‘anticipation’, ‘reflection’, ‘diversity’, and ‘inclusion’.
National policies have shown a preference for frameworks that protect intellectual property rights related to quantum technologies. For example, the U.S. National Quantum Strategy emphasizes the protection of quantum research and development, intellectual property, and enabling technologies. Meanwhile, the private sector, driven by investments and profit motives, may not always align with the principles of responsible quantum technologies. However, initiatives such as the Open Quantum Institute, with private sector support, strive to work on quantum technologies for the collective benefit to some extent.
While the impact of policy frameworks embedding responsible innovation in quantum S&T is yet to be fully understood, the increasing engagement of researchers, private entities, and governments in deliberating the responsible dimension of quantum S&T development is a positive sign. It demonstrates a collective commitment to addressing the challenges and ethical implications associated with quantum technologies, laying the groundwork for meaningful policies and regulations in the future.