Current and Future Directions for Responsible Quantum Technologies: A ResQT Community Perspective
Abstract
Abstract Quantum technologies (QT) are advancing rapidly, promising advancements across a wide spectrum of applications but also raising significant ethical, societal, and geopolitical impacts, including dual-use capabilities, varying levels of access, and impending quantum divide(s). To address these, the Responsible Quantum Technologies (ResQT) community was established to share knowledge, perspectives, and best practices across various disciplines. Its mission is to ensure QT developments align with ethical principles, promote equity, and mitigate unintended consequences. Initial progress has been made, as scholars and policymakers increasingly recognize principles of responsible QT. However, more widespread dissemination is needed, and as QT matures, so must responsible QT. This paper provides a structured, situated synthesis of the ResQT community's current work and identifies future directions from within this community perspective. Drawing on historical lessons from artificial intelligence and nanotechnology, actions targeting the quantum divide(s) are addressed, including the implementation of responsible research and innovation, fostering wider stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development. These actions aim to build trust and engagement, facilitating the participatory and responsible development of QT. The ResQT community advocates that responsible QT should be an integral part of quantum development rather than an afterthought so that quantum technologies evolve toward a future that is technologically advanced and beneficial for all.
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Authors: Adrian Schmidt, Alexandre Artaud, Arsev Umur Aydınoğlu, Astrid Bötticher, Marilú Chiofalo, Rebecca Coates, İlke Ercan, Alexei Grinbaum, Eline de Jong, Bart Karstens, Matthias C. Kettemann, Clarissa Ai Ling Lee, Fabio De Marco, Wenzel Mehnert, Josephine C. Meyer, Shantanu Sharma, Pieter E. Vermaas, Carrie A. Weidner, Barbara Wellmann, Mira Luca Wolf-Bauwens, Zeki C. Seskir
Institutions: Harvard University, University of Oxford, University of Bristol, Technische Universität Berlin, Delft University of Technology, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, University of Geneva, Harvard University Press, Universität Innsbruck, George Mason University, Middle East Technical University, Monash University Malaysia, Technical University of Munich, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, CEA Paris-Saclay, University of Pisa, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Deloitte (United States), Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Institut für Urheber- und Medienrecht, California State University, San Marcos, QuSoft, Rathenau Instituut, Electronics Corporation of India