Tue Sep 24 03:47:20 UTC 2024: ## EU Lags Behind in Quantum Race Despite Ambitious Goals

**Brussels, [date]** – The European Union is aiming to become a global leader in quantum technology, but experts warn that more investment, especially from the private sector, is needed to achieve this goal.

While the EU has made significant investments in quantum research and development, including the €1 billion Quantum Technologies Flagship and the European Chips Act, it still trails behind the US and China in private investment.

“Despite strong public investment, the EU lags in private investment compared to other global leaders,” said Pascal Maillot, responsible for the Quantum Technologies Unit at DG CONNECT in the European Commission.

The lack of private investment is a concern because quantum technologies hold vast potential to solve critical global challenges, including climate change, disease, and poverty. Quantum computing can process data at a speed and complexity far beyond even today’s fastest computers, making it a powerful tool for scientific and industrial advancement.

“Quantum technologies are one of the emerging technologies with the biggest potential to radically transform the world,” stated Marieke Hood, Executive Director of GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator), which launched the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) at CERN.

The OQI is working with industry partners to make quantum computing more accessible to researchers and entrepreneurs, enabling them to tackle global problems identified by UN organizations.

However, challenges remain in harnessing the full potential of quantum technologies. Andrea Rocchetto, CEO & Co-founder of Ephos, highlighted bureaucratic hurdles that hinder companies like his, which produce photonic chips vital for quantum computing.

Furthermore, experts are concerned about the security implications of quantum technologies.

“Quantum technologies will have a transformative impact on our security,” said Matija Matokovic, Deputy Head of NATO’s Innovation Unit. “They can significantly improve the performance of our systems, but they can also help competitors track our equipment and crack encryption.”

To address these challenges, the EU is developing education and training programs, establishing a Quantum Investment Fund to support startups, and planning comprehensive policies to support the deployment of quantum infrastructure.

“Europe must change its recipe for innovation,” said Leonardo Quattrucci, a Senior Fellow at the International Center for Future Generations. “We can’t let the quantum opportunity fall through the same bureaucratic cracks.”

The future of quantum technology in Europe hinges on overcoming these challenges and securing the necessary investments to ensure a future where the EU leads in this transformative field.

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