Quantum technology presents challenges – and major opportunities

Quantum technology is an emerging technology that harnesses quantum phenomena in physics to develop new ways of computing, communicating and measuring – with potentially significant societal and economic impacts.

Quantum technology is emerging as a strategic enabling technology worldwide. It has implications for value creation, national security and the government's freedom to act. Together with the Research Council of Norway and the Norwegian National Security Authority, we have written a report that provides an evidence base and recommendations for the government's forthcoming quantum strategy.

Lene Sælen holds a PhD in quantum mechanics and works with us as a financing adviser. She contributed to the report on our behalf:

– The report shows that Norway has genuine advantages in this field, but our efforts are fragmented and our capacity for innovation is too low. Quantum technology will change the rules of the game across every sector, including security and emergency preparedness, energy, climate, finance, transport, defence and health.

The advanced technology can be difficult to understand. Sælen explains that it is all about computing power:

'A computer has to choose either 0 or 1 when solving problems. A quantum computer can work with 0 and 1 simultaneously, giving it a much wider range of possibilities to explore. This gives quantum computers immense computing power.'

The Research Council of Norway's CEO, Mari Sundli Tveit, believes the report shows that collaboration will be key to Norway's quantum technology efforts:

– 'The report shows that basic research and close collaboration between research institutions, businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and public-sector organisations are essential to achieve breakthroughs in quantum technology research, create benefits for society and strengthen competitiveness,' says Tveit.

Download the report: Towards a Norwegian quantum strategy