European policy leaders, scientists, and executives recently gathered to discuss Europe’s role in advancing quantum internet technology. The quantum internet could transform communication, computation, and security, offering enhanced privacy and accelerated communication solutions. However, increased public funding and private investments are needed to take this technology from lab to market. Key individuals involved in the discussion included Ivars Ijabs, a member of the European Parliament from Latvia, and Gustav Kalbe, Acting Director of DG CNECT C-Digital Excellence & Science Infrastructure of the European Commission. The Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA), consisting of 41 institutions across nine European countries, is leading the development of a global quantum internet.
Quantum Internet: Europe’s Technological Revolution
In a recent gathering of policy leaders, scientists, and executives from the European Parliament, European Commission, and various European universities and industries, the future of Europe’s technological prowess in quantum internet technology was discussed. The event, held on December 5, 2023, at the European Parliament, aimed to identify the necessary steps to translate the groundbreaking research and development results in quantum internet into world-leading innovation.
Ivars Ijabs, a member of the European Parliament from Latvia, emphasized the transformative role of quantum internet in communication technology, computation, and security. He described the quantum internet as a revolutionary technology that offers unprecedented opportunities and has the potential to transform the landscape of communication, computation, and security.
Quantum Internet: Beyond Today’s Internet
The quantum internet is expected to offer capabilities that far exceed those of today’s internet. These include unprecedented levels of security, enhanced privacy, advanced sensing and metrology, and accelerated communication solutions. The discussions during the event highlighted Europe’s strategic position in leading the global quantum internet development, given its top talents, world-class research, and active collaboration between industry and member states.
However, to maintain this leading position and to transition the technology from the lab to the market, there is a need for increased public funding and private investments. The experts and decision-makers present at the event identified four prerequisites to ensure a leading role: use case development, building of network infrastructure, increased funding for quantum internet R&D, and workforce development.
Quantum Internet: The Need for Sustained Funding
Gustav Kalbe, Acting Director of DG CNECT C-Digital Excellence & Science Infrastructure of the European Commission, emphasized the importance of sustained funding for the development of quantum internet. He mentioned the willingness to take the risk and provide a public infrastructure for everyone to use as a playground for various applications. This would serve as a venue to test ideas and identify and solve engineering, technical, and security problems.
In Europe, the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) is spearheading the construction of a global quantum internet. The QIA comprises 41 academic institutions, telecom operators, system integrators, and quantum technology start-ups across nine European countries. It is currently co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.
Quantum Internet: Europe’s Competitive Advantage
Stephanie Wehner, QIA Director, highlighted Europe’s distinct competitive advantage in leading the global development of quantum internet. She pointed out the groundbreaking achievements, abundant talent pool, and robust support from public and private sectors. However, she also underscored the need for swift action to maintain Europe’s strategic position in leading the next digital revolution.
The event also welcomed representatives from academia, industry, European institutions, and member states. It was organized on the sidelines of the European Innovation Area Summit 2023. The discussions and conclusions from this event will likely shape the future of quantum internet technology in Europe and potentially the world.
