Quantum technologies for computing, sensing, networking and cybersecurity are widely believed to have applications that will impact both national and economic security and are recognized by countries worldwide as critical and emerging technologies. The current geopolitical landscape is dominated by the two largest economies, the United States (US) and China. The European Union (EU) collectively represents a third player on the global economic stage. The economic potential of quantum technologies is attracting substantial investment, including by large tech companies that are primarily headquartered in the United States. This approach is leading to fragmentation of the quantum ecosystem, which is slowing innovation and growth of the industry. In particular, the EU strategy to achieve technological sovereignty in the area of quantum technologies risks slowing progress across the region and among like-minded trading partners and thereby giving the advantage to China and other common adversaries.
Through a series of structured conversations among QED-C members from the Unted States, EU, Canada and UK, a collective view of the quantum industry on the consequences of the EU push for technological sovereignty has been developed. This white paper outlines the views and concerns of industry and offers recommendations for industry and government to avoid ceding leadership in the technologies that are likely to broadly shape the future.