As quantum computing technologies move towards commercialization, there is growing concern about their potential impact on society. In response, a workshop at IEEE’s Quantum Week 2024 brought together experts to explore novel contributions to responsible and ethical development and use of quantum computing.
The event featured presentations from prominent researchers and industry leaders, including Zeki C. Seskir, Rebecca Coates, Mohan Baruwal Chhetri, Isabelle Lacroix, and Karl Thibault. They discussed topics such as education, environmental considerations, dual-use risks, and narratives surrounding quantum computing. Companies like IBM were also represented, highlighting their efforts to build a diverse and inclusive community in the field.
The workshop aimed to move beyond definitions and explore next steps towards operationalizing responsible quantum computing, with a focus on collaboration among industry, academia, civil society, and government.
As quantum computing technologies move towards commercialization, there is a growing interest in their potential impact on society. This has led to the publication of many national strategies and quantum technology programs. However, lessons learned from other emerging technologies, such as AI, have highlighted the need for responsible innovation practices. The concept of responsible quantum computing aims to ensure that advancements in this field are beneficial and ethically guided.
A media analysis has shown that public discourse on quantum technology often overlooks societal implications. The key themes in non-academic literature, including media articles, business reports, and government documents, focus on the impact of quantum technologies, security issues, and geopolitical implications. This highlights the need for a more nuanced discussion on the potential consequences of quantum computing.
Responsible practices are essential in both classical and quantum computing. Collaboration among industry, academia, civil society, and government is crucial to mitigate dual-use risks and ensure that advancements in quantum computing are beneficial and ethically guided. Adapting frameworks like “know your customer” (KYC) can help mitigate these risks.
The potential disruptive impact of quantum technologies necessitates regulatory conversations. Academic perspectives on governance themes and values have identified gaps and blind spots in current discussions. Recommendations for advancing research and good practices in responsible QT regulation are essential to ensure that ethical principles guide the development of quantum computing.
Education plays a critical role in institutionalizing responsible quantum computing. Building a diverse and inclusive community requires overcoming challenges such as increasing diversity in the quantum community. Concrete actions, such as the Qiskit summer school, can help achieve this goal. However, structural challenges need to be addressed to ensure that education is accessible to all.
Organizations’ readiness levels for developing quantum solutions can be assessed using a framework incorporating technology readiness level and discussion of risks from ethical and regulatory perspectives. A hypothetical case study in the financial services sector illustrates the application of this framework.
The ethical dimensions of quantum readiness require a vision for what responsible quantum readiness might mean for quantum students. Opening discussions around the real-world impacts of quantum amongst the next generation of quantum students is essential to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop responsible quantum solutions.
The UK’s NQCC has introduced the Quantum STATES principles for responsible and ethical quantum computing (REQC). Collaborative planning for integrating these principles into NQCC’s operations is underway, outlining next steps for implementing REQC across the quantum computing stack.
A “desired future” conceptulized through stakeholder engagement has been presented, comparing it with ‘ten principles for responsible quatum innovation’ proposed in the literature. Recommendations for the continued success of a responsible quantum institute have been outlined.
The insights shared by expert speakers during the workshop will contribute to a greater shared understanding of responsible quantum efforts internationally. The discussions will continue at next year’s IEEE Quantum Week, enabling and moving forward these important conversations.
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