From labs to leadership: Europe’s bold move into Quantum
And how will the strategy pave the way for a quantum-powered future?
Europe’s Quantum journey: from science to sovereignty
Europe has long been at the forefront of quantum research, leading in academic output and boasting one-third of the world’s quantum startups. However, while the US and China have been racing ahead in terms of commercialisation, Europe has been playing catch-up. The new Quantum Europe Strategy is here to close that gap. With the right focus, Europe is poised to transform its scientific excellence into real-world power, not just in academia but in industry and national security as well.
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The five pillars of Europe’s Quantum future
To build a resilient, sovereign quantum ecosystem, the strategy focuses on five interconnected areas:
- Research & innovation: the Commission proposes a Quantum Research and Innovation Initiative. It will aim to align the EU’s and Member States’ effort around a commonly agreed agenda.
- Quantum infrastructures: Europe is building the infrastructure to scale, it will maintain and expand its investments in public quantum infrastructures across computing and simulation, communications and sensing.
- Ecosystem growth: Europe will establish six new quantum pilot lines to scale technologies from lab to the market.
- Security & defence: Quantum is no longer just for science labs. It’s strategic. The EU is integrating secure, sovereign quantum capabilities into Europe’s space, security and defence strategies.
- Quantum skills: to power all of this, the EU is setting up a European Quantum Skills Academy by 2026. It will offer quantum technology training, opportunities for practical application and fellowships to promote talent mobility across the EU.
What’s coming next?
- A fully EU-interconnected experimental terrestrial and secure communication network by 2030.
- Reaching thousands of error-corrected qubits per platform by 2025.
- Establishing cross-border quantum infrastructure and pilot production lines, driving quantum’s industrialisation.
- Creating a new generation of quantum graduates to ensure the workforce is equipped for the future.
Why it matters
Quantum technologies are reaching a pivotal moment. With Europe leading in research, there is a risk of falling behind in commercial applications and impact. The growing need for investment and collaboration is critical to securing Europe’s place in this emerging market. Quantum’s dual-use nature, which can be applied in both civilian and military contexts, makes it indispensable for defence and security.
Europe’s response to this challenge must be swift and unified, with the collaboration of Member States, industry, and academia. The Quantum Europe Strategy offers the roadmap to make this happen, and if successful, it could drive Europe to the forefront of the next technological revolution.
Read the full strategy here