EU–US Collaboration on Quantum Technologies

Martin Everett

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The development of quantum technologies represents a significant scientific advance with the potential to benefit many. However, security concerns over quantum technologies in the fields of computing and communications – chiefly in relation to encryption and decryption – have limited international cooperation.

Existing discussions between the EU and US on quantum technologies remain low key. However, closer partnerships in the sector are possible in basic scientific research and communications standards.

In order to remain a relevant player in the advancement of quantum technology, EU-based researchers and start-ups are in need of additional support – in terms of funding and policy – to enable closer cooperation with global researchers and institutions, particularly in the US.

While claims of ‘quantum supremacy’ – where a quantum computer outperforms a classical computer by orders of magnitude – continue to be contested, the security implications of such an achievement have adversely impacted the potential for future partnerships in the field.

Quantum communications infrastructure continues to develop, though technological obstacles remain. The EU has linked development of quantum capacity and capability to its recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to make rapid progress through its Quantum Communication Initiative.

Existing dialogue between the EU and US highlights opportunities for collaboration on quantum technologies in the areas of basic scientific research and on communications standards. While the EU Quantum Flagship has already had limited engagement with the US on quantum technology collaboration, greater direct cooperation between EUPOPUSA and the Flagship would improve the prospects of both parties in this field.

Additional support for EU-based researchers and start-ups should be provided where possible – for example, increasing funding for representatives from Europe to attend US-based conferences, while greater investment in EU-based quantum enterprises could mitigate potential ‘brain drain’.

Superconducting qubits remain the most likely basis for a quantum computer. Quantum computers composed of around 50 qubits, as well as a quantum cloud computing service using greater numbers of superconducting qubits, are anticipated to emerge in 2021.