UK Launches Quantum Strategy for Sovereignty and Scale

The UK has launched a comprehensive quantum strategy aimed at enhancing its technological sovereignty and scaling its quantum capabilities. According to the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, the report titled 'A UK Quantum Strategy for Sovereignty and Scale' emphasizes the critical role quantum technology plays as the next stage in technological evolution, following advancements in artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

This global quantum market is expected to surpass one trillion dollars by 2035, with significant investments from countries like China and the EU. However, the UK risks falling behind despite being a leader in quantum research, ranking third globally.

The report highlights that while the UK has a strong R&D base and ranks second in venture capital investment, it lacks the infrastructure and high-risk capital necessary for commercial scale. This has led to a troubling trend where UK-based quantum companies are relocating or being acquired by foreign firms.

Examples include the acquisition of Oxford Ionics by US-based IonQ, and PsiQuantum's expansion primarily in the US. The report categorizes quantum technologies into three main areas: quantum sensing, quantum communication, and quantum computing, with the latter being the most economically valuable.

It warns that the UK must adopt a coordinated approach to overcome engineering bottlenecks that hinder commercialization. The report also details the quantum national-security imperative, noting that quantum computers could potentially break classical encryption methods, calling for urgent transitions to post-quantum encryption in government and business systems.

The UK's position is described as fragile, with a strong research base but limited early corporate adoption and investment in the extended quantum stack, which includes essential components like lasers and cryogenics.

To address these challenges, the report outlines three core areas for improvement: bridging the translation gap in R&D, closing the capital and adoption gap for commercialization, and addressing the stack gap to ensure access to critical inputs and infrastructure.

Recommendations include setting up a pilot quantum translational research group, modernizing corporate venturing schemes, and prioritizing quantum technologies in public procurement. The report concludes that immediate action is essential for the UK to maintain its competitive edge in the global quantum landscape and avoid becoming an incubator for other countries' quantum industries.

The full report is available on the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change's website.