Photo by Laboratory for Physical Sciences/Quantum Image Gallery
Quantum technologies have experienced substantial advancements in recent years, showcasing their potential across multiple sectors, including the life sciences, finance, aerospace, defence, energy and telecommunications. This swift progression emphasises the necessity for a skilled workforce that can drive innovation and translate theoretical advancements into practical applications. This need has been recognised by academia, industry and government alike, making the development of a robust talent pipeline an important priority. However, the quantum technology ecosystem is experiencing a skills gap, with current talent pools falling short of meeting the expanding requirements of this emerging field.
RAND Europe and the Novo Nordisk Foundation convened a roundtable in Copenhagen to explore critical components of the quantum technology ecosystem, with a focus on skills and talent development. Discussions also covered supply chain resilience, the findings of which will be presented in a forthcoming report. The roundtable was the second in a series of quantum technology thought leadership events that brought together a range of researchers, industry experts, decision makers and policymakers. Discussions at the roundtable centred on examining key emerging trends, challenges and opportunities, as well as strategies to address the skills gap in quantum technology and nurture a robust talent pipeline. This report captures the perspectives and insights of participants at the roundtable, serving as a concise guide to inform and contribute to the broader stakeholder discourse on quantum technology skills and talent, as policy on these key issues develops.
The discussion encompassed the following trends and insights related to the development of skills and talent in quantum technology.
Based on the roundtable discussions, we propose eight cross-cutting policy considerations and associated enabling actions for stakeholders looking to support development of the quantum technology skills ecosystem. Collectively, these considerations aim to build a more resilient, equitable and future-ready quantum technology skills pipeline. We believe that these principles could underpin a future ‘Quantum Technology Skills Charter’, articulating a collective statement of intent, ambition and commitment among stakeholders including public, private and third sector (including civil society) entities. This charter could facilitate focused, coordinated efforts and actions to proactively address the key challenges related to quantum technology skills and the broader workforce.
Educate Engage Empower
Establishing and nurturing cross-cutting partnerships between various stakeholders — notably academia and industry — can help bridge the quantum technology skills gap.
While global and national efforts to develop quantum technology skills and talent are key, it is equally important to focus on tailored initiatives and activities aimed at enhancing regional and local quantum technology ecosystems.
Implementing comprehensive and inclusive public education initiatives focused on quantum literacy to enhance awareness, accessibility and understanding of quantum technologies could help cultivate interest and attract potential talent from a diverse range of sources.
Beyond technical skills directly associated with quantum technology, non-technical competencies and adjacent domain expertise are crucial to facilitate the effective development and commercialisation of the technology and its applications.
To responsibly address potential risks and equitably share the benefits of adopting quantum technologies, and to develop effective governance frameworks, it is important to integrate social sciences, arts and humanities, alongside ethical and legal perspectives.
Creating more adaptable and modular learning pathways is important to allow professionals from various backgrounds to continuously gain quantum skills throughout different phases of their careers.
Adopting a systematic approach based on comprehensive competency and skills frameworks could enhance assessment and anticipation of skills needs within the quantum technology ecosystem.
Embracing proactive skills monitoring and foresight strategies is vital to obtain evidence-based insights into the dynamic, evolving supply and demand landscape for quantum technology skills.
Teodora Chis
The analysis following the roundtable discussion reported in this study was internally funded by RAND Europe and has been peer-reviewed in accordance with RAND’s quality assurance standards. This work is intended to inform the public good and should not be taken as a commercial endorsement of any product or service.
