Given the potential technology benefits and risks, as well as the lengthy timelines and financial risks involved, many governments have introduced ambitious national strategies to develop quantum technologies. This session will introduce Spain’s new National Strategy for Quantum Technologies, which will be followed by a panel discussion including policymakers from other countries and jurisdictions with dedicated strategies for quantum technologies. Participants will exchange experiences and lessons in developing, implementing and monitoring these strategies.

Current investment in quantum technologies is concentrated in developed countries. This concentration risks worsening global inequalities and limiting the economic and societal benefits of quantum technologies. This session will explore mutually beneficial collaborations to raise access and support capacity development, including transitional pathways such as quantum education resource sharing and cloud-based quantum computing services, among other initiatives.

Meeting skills demand requires a balanced approach to workforce development through education, talent mobility, and public-private collaboration. While quantum technologies have transformative potential across industries, their advancement depends on a skilled and adaptable workforce to overcome technical and developmental barriers. This session addresses how governments could anticipate and aid in building the future quantum workforce and how international collaboration could help pool complementary expertise.

It is challenging to manage the complexities of emerging, global and highly specialised supply chains for quantum technologies. Dependencies on limited suppliers of components and critical materials risk disruptions further compounded by export controls that pursue security but may also hinder private investment and research efforts. This session explores cross-border bottlenecks, along with complementarities and collaboration opportunities in supply chains, discussing perspectives on these in today’s geopolitical context.