As the United States continues to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies, the Quantum Industry Coalition (QIC) is urging the federal government to prioritize the advancement of quantum leadership. With the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act set to expire, the QIC is calling on policymakers to reauthorize and expand the legislation to focus on near-term, real-world applications of quantum technologies, including computing, sensing, networking, and cryptography.
By creating a “quantum on-ramp” for federal agencies, appointing a dedicated “quantum czar,” and ensuring the participation of small businesses, the government can unlock substantial private investment, leverage taxpayer funding, and drive innovation in this critical field. Furthermore, updates to procurement, immigration, and trade policies are necessary to accelerate the development of quantum technologies and maintain America’s position at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry.
Quantum Industry Coalition’s Recommendations
The Quantum Industry Coalition (QIC) has recently reached out to the President-Elect, offering congratulations on the reelection and urging continued support for advancing U.S. quantum leadership. The QIC, comprising various quantum companies, emphasizes the importance of reauthorizing the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act, which was signed into law in December 2018. This legislation played a crucial role in coordinating and accelerating federal quantum research and development, aiming to enhance the nation’s position in militarily and economically vital technologies such as quantum computing, sensing, networking, and cryptography.
The QIC suggests that a reauthorized NQI should account for the significant progress made in the U.S. quantum industry over the past six years. This includes expanding the focus from pure research to encompass quantum applications and commercialization, with agencies prioritizing near-term, real-world results rather than solely fundamental theory. Furthermore, programs should be designed to be nimble, allowing them to quickly engage with new innovations as they emerge.
Enhancing Federal Agency Adoption of Quantum Technologies
To facilitate the adoption of quantum technologies throughout the federal government, the QIC recommends establishing a “quantum czar” position within the National Quantum Coordination Office. This individual would be responsible for speeding up the adoption of quantum technology across federal agencies, serving as a bridge between quantum research and the government, market, and broader American society. The quantum czar would help agencies understand how quantum technologies can aid in meeting their missions, make the case for additional quantum funding and authorities to Congress, and identify areas where quantum and quantum-hybrid technologies may provide necessary efficiencies.
Ensuring Small Business Participation and Updating Policy Areas
The QIC also emphasizes the importance of ensuring small businesses have a seat at the table in federal quantum efforts. Many significant advances in quantum computing, networking, sensors, and cryptography are taking place within small businesses, and their participation is crucial for rapid national advancement. To this end, the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee should include small business and commercialization perspectives to ensure a holistic understanding of the complex industry.
Additionally, the QIC recommends updating several policy areas to accelerate quantum technology development. This includes modifying the federal procurement process to incentivize the use of emergent technologies like quantum, encouraging high-skill immigration for senior technology leaders, and considering trade policies that support a robust domestic quantum supply chain. Efforts to ensure domestic manufacturing of critical components, such as chips for quantum technologies, would also greatly benefit the nation.
The Role of Quantum Technologies in National Advancement
Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including supply chain management, emergency response, drug discovery, and grid resilience. By adopting these technologies, federal agencies can move at the speed of innovation rather than being limited by traditional government procurement processes. This approach would unlock substantial private investment, leveraging taxpayer funding more effectively and enabling the development and deployment of needed quantum and quantum-classical hybrid applications for public sector needs.
Quantum Czar?
In conclusion, the Quantum Industry Coalition’s recommendations to the President-Elect highlight the critical importance of continued support for advancing U.S. quantum leadership. By reauthorizing the National Quantum Initiative Act, establishing a quantum czar, ensuring small business participation, and updating policy areas such as procurement, immigration, and trade, the nation can accelerate the development and adoption of quantum technologies. This, in turn, would have far-reaching benefits for various sectors, ultimately contributing to America’s continued quantum leadership and national advancement.
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