Europe's Quantum Strategy Aims to Bolster Its Position in Quantum Technology by the Year 2030
The European Union has announced a comprehensive Quantum Strategy, aiming to position Europe as a global leader in quantum technology by 2030. This ambitious plan targets five key areas: research and innovation, quantum infrastructure, ecosystem strengthening, space and dual-use technologies, and quantum skills development.
In the realm of research and innovation, the strategy launches the Quantum Europe research and innovation initiative. This initiative aims to accelerate breakthrough science and translate it into market-ready applications. The strategy also plans to establish a quantum design facility, six quantum chips pilot lines, and a pilot facility for the European quantum internet to build the necessary hardware and infrastructure.
Ecosystem strengthening is another crucial aspect of the strategy. The EU aims to expand the network of Quantum Competence Clusters across the continent and boost private investment in European quantum companies. This effort is intended to foster a resilient, sovereign quantum ecosystem.
The strategy also focuses on space technologies and dual-use technologies for defence and security. Collaborating with the European Space Agency, the EU plans to develop a quantum technology roadmap for secure and strategic applications. The strategy also contributes to the European armament technological roadmap.
Quantum skills development is a significant component of the strategy. The European quantum skills academy is set to be established in 2026 to train highly skilled professionals needed to grow the sector.
The strategy is designed to enhance Europe's competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and security. It aims to address current challenges like fragmented innovation ecosystems and slow industrial uptake. By 2040, the sector is expected to create thousands of highly skilled jobs and exceed a global market value of €155 billion.
The European Commission also plans to follow this strategy with a Quantum Act proposal in 2026, which will further strengthen industrialization efforts and investment incentives across member states. However, the strategy does not offer information about the funding allocated for the quantum technology sector.
Quantum technologies are expected to revolutionise responses to complex challenges, including pharmaceutical breakthroughs and the protection of critical infrastructure. They are also expected to create new opportunities for industrial competitiveness and the EU's technological sovereignty.
While the strategy does not mention any specific partnerships or collaborations with other global leaders in quantum technology, it represents a significant step towards Europe's quantum future. The strategy's ultimate goal is to preserve Europe's scientific excellence and build a sovereign quantum ecosystem, ensuring Europe's place at the forefront of quantum technology development.
[1] European Commission. (2021). EU's Quantum Strategy. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-digital-era/connecting-europe-and-european-digital-single-market/quantum-technology_en [2] European Commission. (2021). Quantum Europe: A European flagship initiative for quantum technologies. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/quantum-europe-european-flagship-initiative-quantum-technologies_en [3] European Commission. (2021). Quantum Technologies: Industrial Strategy. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-digital-era/connecting-europe-and-european-digital-single-market/quantum-technology_en
- The European Union's Quantum Strategy seeks to leverage EU tech and science to establish a quantum design facility, six quantum chips pilot lines, and a pilot facility for the European quantum internet, aiming to accelerate innovation in the field of quantum technology.
- Recognizing the importance of a resilient, sovereign quantum ecosystem, the strategy aims to expand the network of Quantum Competence Clusters across Europe and boost private investment in European quantum companies, to foster a thriving tech ecosystem.
- In line with the strategy, the European Commission plans to develop a quantum technology roadmap for secure and strategic applications, collaborating with the European Space Agency, with the eventual goal of enhancing Europe's technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness.
