EU aims to become world leader in quantum technology by 2030
The European Commission presented a plan on Wednesday to make the EU the world leader in quantum technology by 2030. To achieve this, it aims to address fragmented regulations and financing within the bloc and focus on commercialising the technology.
Quantum technology is based on quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that examines the behaviour of matter and energy at the smallest scale, such as those found in atoms and particles. In the long term, the technology could solve problems that today’s most powerful computers cannot handle. It also holds potential for faster diagnoses via sensors, accelerating drug development and enabling secure communication that cannot be tapped or hacked.
Dual-use potential
Quantum technology is inherently dual-use, meaning it can serve both civilian and military purposes. For instance, sensors can already detect activity four kilometres underground. These can help locate lava flows and hidden caves, but also secret tunnels and submarines.
The EU currently leads the world in quantum research, producing the most scientific publications and hosting a third of the world’s quantum companies. The sector is expected to create thousands of highly skilled jobs in the EU by 2040 and to be worth 155 billion EUR globally.
"Yet our industrial ecosystem remains fragile due to fragmented support among member states and less access to private funds than the United States and China," said vice president for technological sovereignty Henna Virkkunen on Wednesday. EU companies currently attract just 5 per cent of global private investment, compared to 50 per cent in the US.
"This makes it difficult to scale up research to industry, and increases the risk that European start-ups will disappear, be acquired by international companies or move to regions where they are better funded," Virkkunen said.
Key elements of the EU strategy
At this "critical moment", the Commission has drawn up a strategy to position the EU as a global leader in quantum technology by 2030. The plan focuses on improving coordination between member states and strengthening the ecosystem, particularly by making it easier for start-ups and scale-ups to access funding and talent.
The strategy includes a joint initiative to support research and development in key sectors. It also proposes creating a design facility and several pilot lines for quantum chips, to help turn scientific prototypes into commercially viable products.
The plan is expected to pave the way for new European legislation on quantum technology, likely to be introduced next year. According to a source, one option being considered is an accelerated licensing system for quantum projects, similar to what the Commission has already proposed for defence initiatives.
IQM is building the European quantum computer Euro-Q-Exa for the Leibniz Supercomputing Center (LRZ). The acquisition of the Euro-Q-Exa quantum system at the LRZ secures the Free State of Bavaria a leading position in quantum technology in Europe. © PHOTO SVEN HOPPE / DPA
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