The Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) has launched the Commission on U.S. Quantum Primacy, a bipartisan group of fourteen leaders from government, national laboratories, and the private sector tasked with developing a national strategy for quantum technology. As quantum technologies move from theory to application, the SCSP asserts the United States must act quickly to maintain its global leadership in this intensifying competition. The commission, co-led by U.S. Senators Todd Young and Ben Ray Luján, will focus on building a secure industrial base, maintaining information advantage, and accelerating integration of quantum and classical technologies. “Quantum technology is not just the next frontier of computing; it is a fundamental shift in the landscape of national power,” said Ylli Bajraktari, president of SCSP, emphasizing the commission’s goal to ensure the United States remains the center of gravity for the quantum revolution.
Commission on U.S. Quantum Primacy Formation & Goals
A new commission aims to safeguard U.S. leadership in the developing field of quantum technology, recognizing the rapidly closing window to establish a lasting advantage in this critical area of scientific and strategic competition. Co-chairs Ylli Bajraktari, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN), and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) will guide the commission’s efforts. The commission will specifically focus on establishing resilient supply chains and cultivating a skilled workforce to ensure long-term technological leadership. Senator Young underscored the importance of proactive measures, stating, “From the cutting-edge research happening in Indiana to innovation hubs across the country, America has the talent and ingenuity to lead in this transformative field.” The commission’s final deliverable will be a report containing actionable policy recommendations designed to define the quantum age, according to the SCSP’s goals. Senator Luján added, “Maintaining America’s leadership in quantum research and development is essential to our national security, economic future, and technology advancement.”
Building a Secure Quantum Industrial Base
The United States is actively working to establish a robust foundation for quantum technology development, recognizing that a secure domestic industrial base is paramount to maintaining leadership in this rapidly evolving field. This effort extends beyond fundamental research, focusing on cultivating an ecosystem encompassing skilled personnel, advanced hardware manufacturing, and secure supply chains to ensure a long-term technological advantage. The newly formed Commission on U.S. Quantum Primacy’s strategy involves not only bolstering domestic capabilities but also accelerating the integration of quantum technologies with existing classical systems to identify practical applications and maintain operational superiority. This work will build upon the existing quantum ecosystem and formulate actionable policy recommendations to ensure the nation defines, rather than simply participates in, the quantum age.
Quantum technology is not just the next frontier of computing; it is a fundamental shift in the landscape of national power.
Maintaining Information & Operational Advantage
The drive to maintain a decisive edge in quantum computing extends beyond hardware development, with a newly formed commission prioritizing the safeguarding of information itself. The Commission on U.S. Quantum Primacy, established by the Special Competitive Studies Project, recognizes that securing data leadership is paramount as quantum technologies mature. This focus is reflected in one of the commission’s three core pillars: maintaining information advantage through the development of “mission-critical algorithms, architectures and protocols,” and securing information flows. This isn’t simply about encryption; it’s about anticipating how quantum computers will challenge existing cryptographic standards and proactively building defenses. Dr. Megan Anderson, Executive Vice President of Technology at IQT, brings expertise crucial to this effort, while organizations like DARPA, through the Microsystems Technology Office led by Dr. Whitney Mason, are actively researching quantum-resistant cryptography. The commission’s work acknowledges that a technological lead is insufficient without the ability to protect sensitive data from future decryption.
Securing American leadership in quantum is essential to both our economic prosperity and national security.
