Eighteen of Europe’s leading quantum researchers have published a roadmap for the development of quantum technologies on that continent. Rob Thew of the University of Geneva co-authored a section of the roadmap on quantum communication and explains why a coherent vision for the future is essential for quantum technologies to flourish in Europe.
What is covered in the quantum technologies roadmap?
The roadmap is a 24-page peer-reviewed document that includes an introduction followed by six sections that focus on important aspects of quantum technology. These are quantum communication; quantum computation; quantum simulation; quantum metrology, sensing and imaging; quantum control; and quantum software and theory. It is the work of 18 experts in quantum technology from across Europe. The roadmap provides the authors’ opinions – based on extensive discussions and feedback from the larger European quantum technologies community – of the status and main challenges of quantum-technology research as well as the advances they foresee in the future. It also serves as an updated summary of the 150-page Quantum Technologies Roadmap, which forms the basis of the European Commission’s Future and Emerging Technologies Flagship on Quantum Technologies
Why is it important for European researchers to develop a roadmap for quantum technologies?
The quantum technologies community has been maintaining a roadmap for the last 20 years and it has been an important instrument in both creating a coherent vision for the community as well as providing a benchmark for the progress in the field. This has been a key factor in demonstrating the readiness of the European community for the type of investment that the Quantum Flagship brings, as well as providing industry with a clear idea of where and when the best opportunities are for investing.
How would you characterize the state of quantum research in Europe when compared to other regions?
Research in quantum is rapidly advancing all around the world and Europe continues to play a leading role across all areas of interest. To date, the field has managed to balance being competitive and collaborative, so it doesn’t make too much sense to say any one region is “winning” in a particular area; this is a long race and there will be plenty of prizes for everyone.
What are the key challenges facing the European quantum community?
The field is still relatively young, but already garnering significant interest from industry. The challenge in Europe will be to develop the instruments and infrastructure that will allow not only this industry uptake, but continue to advance the basic science that underpins all of these efforts and enable the development of a sustainable innovation landscape. This is not so different to the challenges faced globally. It is important for everyone that in the rush to commercialize these quantum technologies we don’t forget to invest in the basic science that will ensure its long-term success. The roadmap can play an important role in this.
“The quantum technologies roadmap: a European community view” is published in the New Journal of Physics.
