The quantum computing sector must silence the noise and focus on responsible development

The future success of the quantum computing sector will depend largely on responsible development, cross-sector collaboration and government oversight, according to a new white paper from EY and the University of Oxford.

As part of the study, the team surveyed technologists, researchers and policymakers to understand their attitudes towards emerging technologies, the risks and opportunities they may pose, as well as the role of governance and government participation in technological innovation.

Half agreed that, for example, it is worth generating public excitement about new technologies to raise capital, but 84% also believed that claims about such technologies are often exaggerated or exaggerated in popular discourse.

“The findings in the white paper indicate that countering misinformation and engaging in responsible science communication are key dimensions of practicing responsible innovation for quantum computing,” said Mira Pijselman, head of digital ethics at EY.

“We have already seen concerns about low-performance products, loss of public trust and active social harm in technology spaces adjacent to quantum computing – such as artificial intelligence – where hype can be used to drive interests and narratives that are not always aligned with the public good “

The answer, researchers say, is to take a long-term perspective, based on different scientific perspectives, experiences and worldviews. This means close collaboration between academia, the private sector and government as the commercialization of quantum computers advances.

Respondents supported this collaborative approach, with 76% agreeing that it was important to involve many different groups, including policymakers and advisors, in the development of new technologies.

More than nine in ten people also agreed that the government should engage in funding the development of new technologies to ensure an inclusive and collaborative environment that benefits the entire ecosystem.

“Our research highlights the importance of integrating socio-technical talent into developing communities. Basically, it’s about working with a whole range of stakeholders to develop new technologies,” Pijselman said.

“While deep technical knowledge is crucial, particularly for quantum computing, we also need people with the legal, commercial and ethical skills to effectively engage in technological forecasting and ultimately enable governance.”

Concerns expressed by survey respondents included fear that the rush to develop new technologies could exceed our knowledge of potential risks and social consequences, with more than three-quarters agreeing.

Six in ten thought that leaving the development of new technologies solely in the hands of private companies was a bad idea, although a similar percentage believed that it should not be left in the hands of researchers and developers.

However, there was a very high level of agreement – over 90% – that governments should engage in financing innovative technologies, and more than eight in ten people believed that regulation should be introduced.

“Through more meaningful dialogue and collaboration across the quantum ecosystem, we can shape the trajectory of quantum computing to ensure not only commercial scalability, but also sustainability for current and future generations,” Pijselman said