Global Quantum Governance: From Principles to Practice

In this brief for the CIGI, authors Mauritz Kop & Tracey Forrest dive into the pressing requirement for global coordination on quantum technology governance as the sector shifts rapidly from laboratory research to real-world deployment. The authors caution that imminent advances including the transition to post-quantum encryption standards and the emergence of quantum communication networks represent a critical threshold—after which addressing quantum’s effects on society will prove increasingly difficult. Despite individual nations and regional bodies developing policies like the EU’s proposed Quantum Act, specialists stress that quantum technology’s transnational character, potential military and civilian applications, and uneven distribution of technological capabilities necessitate a unified international approach that balances standardization and security with appropriate openness, avoiding both regulatory indifference and overly restrictive measures.

Building upon recognized frameworks for responsible quantum development, Kop and Forrest advocate for a comprehensive, multi-tiered global governance strategy. Through examining critical applications as hypothetical scenarios—ranging from quantum-powered medical diagnostics and precision timekeeping to distributed quantum computing networks and molecular simulation—they conduct regulatory stress tests revealing how current governance mechanisms may prove inadequate when quantum breakthroughs trigger sudden transformations in computational power, measurement precision, and cryptographic security foundations. Their examination particularly emphasizes the complications introduced by intricate hybrid systems combining quantum and classical computing elements, further complicated by growing AI integration, which challenge traditional regulatory approaches.

The brief’s final section addresses the crucial intersection of patent rights, defense concerns, and international production networks. The authors lay out a comprehensive roadmap involving multiple coordinated initiatives to ensure quantum technologies develop responsibly while maintaining global competitiveness and security, calling for proactive international collaboration before the technology becomes too advanced to govern effectively…

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