What is the “Responsible Quantum Technologies” Movement? | Commentary

The United Nations recently announced that 2025 will be the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), with a number of events focused on quantum science and technology (S&T) to raise awareness of the concept and explore its benefits to humanity.

Although applications of quantum mechanics are emerging technologies, quantum science and technology have not yet captured the public attention of artificial intelligence (AI) or genome editing. However, applications of quantum science and technology in three areas – quantum computing, quantum sensors, and quantum communications – are at various stages of development around the world.

What is responsible quantum science and technology?

Quantum science and technology are part of many governments’ “science and technology plans” and are the subject of significant private sector investment. Four sectors — automotive, chemicals, financial services and life sciences — are expected to gain about $1.3 trillion in value by 2035 thanks to quantum science and technology, according to estimates calculated last year by consulting firm McKinsey. In terms of country-specific investment, China leads with $10 billion in 2022, followed by the European Union and the United States. India’s contribution currently stands at $730 million (Rs 6,100 crore).

The value of quantum technology lies in transforming our ability to communicate and use information across sectors. However, the technology also carries the risk of being misused, including to weaken digital security, due to its potential for dual use.

As a result, researchers and some governments have called for responsible quantum technology practices to gain public trust while leveraging the value of quantum science and technology. For example, the UK’s National Quantum Strategy states that “we will ensure that the regulatory framework encourages responsible innovation, benefits the UK, and protects and grows the economy and UK quantum capability.”

What is Quantum Governance?

The World Economic Forum (WEF) was one of the first organizations to discuss quantum computing. GovernanceThis “Quantum Governance” framework is based on the principles of transparency, inclusivity, accessibility, non-maleficence, fairness, accountability and public interest. Members of the framework include national government agencies, academic institutions and private sector leaders (including India).

The WEF’s goal is to accelerate the development of responsible quantum computing by building trust in the technology as it is developed and by preventing and mitigating potential risks. The benefit of this framework is that it addresses responsible development from the beginning, rather than as an afterthought.

IBM, a global leader in quantum computing and a member of the WEF initiative, also said its efforts in developing quantum science and technology will be focused on positively impacting society and building a diverse and inclusive quantum community. The company said its agreement prohibits the use of quantum products for potentially harmful applications and encourages the development of technologies that can protect organizations from the misuse of quantum computers.

Of course, the reality is not that simple. For example, a white paper published in the last week of June by Ernst & Young and the Responsible Technology Institute (RTI) at the University of Oxford warned against high expectations and overestimating understanding of ethical issues. In particular, it pointed to disparities between countries in quantum science and technology capabilities, arguing that a lack of access to talent and technology could exacerbate these disparities.

From a different perspective, a group of academics from the US, Canada and Europe recently proposed a different framework for responsible quantum technologies. This one proposes 10 principles to guide the purposeful application of quantum science and technology, along with the values ​​of RRI. “RRI” stands for “Responsible Research and Information,” a concept and practice endorsed by the European Commission. Many institutions around the world, including funding agencies, have adopted it, and it brings public engagement and ethical considerations to the fore, emphasizing “anticipation,” “reflection,” “diversity” and “inclusion.”

What do countries want?

While these frameworks and initiatives have emerged primarily among researchers and share a common focus and intent on maintaining openness, national policies have favored frameworks that provide stronger intellectual property protections for quantum technologies.

For example, the US National Quantum Strategy explicitly states that “Governments must work to safeguard relevant quantum research and development and intellectual property, and to protect related enabling technologies and materials. Agencies responsible for promoting or protecting quantum technologies must understand the security implications.”

Similarly, it would be naive to expect the private sector, with its large investments and appetite for patents and profits, to support sharing and openness in the name of responsible quantum technology. There may be exceptional circumstances, but it will not be the norm. That is why the Open Quantum Laboratory, initiated by the Geneva Science Diplomacy Visionaries and hosted by CERN, is so important. The lab is backed by the private sector and can, at least to some extent, work on quantum technology for everyone.

What are the impacts of the policy?

Unfortunately, there are not yet many case studies on the impact of policy frameworks incorporating responsible innovation in quantum science and technology. One case study published in 2021 by researchers from the University of Oxford noted the need for a more detailed understanding of “responsibility” on the part of the UK government.

However, despite these challenges, the fact remains that researchers, private sector organizations, and governments are interested in considering the responsible aspects of quantum science and technology development. The pursuit of responsible quantum technologies cannot be dismissed as mere window dressing.

This is encouraging, even if it remains unclear how or whether their involvement will translate into more meaningful policies and regulations.

Krishna Ravi Srinivas is an Adjunct Professor at NALSAR Law University, Hyderabad, Consultant at RIS, New Delhi and Associate Professor at CeRAI, Indian Institute of Technology Madras.