The Quantum Governance Stack: Models of Governance for Quantum Information Technologies

Abstract

The emergence of quantum information technologies with potential application across diverse industrial, consumer and technical domains has thrown into relief the need for practical approaches to their governance. Technology governance must balance multiple objectives including facilitating technological development while meeting legal requirements, normative expectations and managing risks regarding the use of such technology. In this paper, we articulate a variety of idealised governance models and approaches for synthesising these complementary and sometimes competing objectives. We set out a comparative analysis of quantum governance in the context of existing models of technological governance. Using this approach, we develop an actor-instrument model for quantum governance, denoted the ‘quantum governance stack’, across a governance hierarchy from states and governments through to public and private institutions. Our model sets out key characteristics that quantum governance should exhibit at each level in the stack, including identification of stakeholder rights, interests and obligations impacted by quantum technologies and the appropriate instruments by which such impacts are managed. We argue that quantum governance must be responsive based on (a) the state of technology at the time; (b) resource and economic requirements for its development; and (c) assessments and estimates of the near-term and future impacts of such technology. Our work provides a pragmatic introduction to quantum governance by (a) specifying a taxonomy of governance actors and instruments and (b) providing examples of how different stakeholders within the stack might implement governance responses to quantum information technologies. It is intended for use by stakeholders in government, industry, academia and civil society to help inform their governance response to the quantum technology revolution.

Ten principles for responsible quantum innovation

“…Looking into the future, responsible quantum innovation principles apperceived by ELSPI considerations can inform debates on how to regulate QT. This complex and challenging task should be taken on before the technology becomes locked-in and entrenched [44,111]. Crucially, such a regulatory framework must take into account the unique and counter-intuitive properties of applied quantum phenomena, their dual-use nature, and the need to balance open innovation, fair competition [2,78], value appropriation, and risk management [39].…”

Building a quantum‐ready ecosystem

“…In areas where quantum technologies are anticipated to have a big influence [18], nations that invest in and embrace quantum technology first will have a competitive edge. Governments that are not quantum‐ready run the danger of falling behind in these sectors and may find it difficult to compete with those who have made quantum technology investments [19]. Quantum technologies have the potential to make sophisticated computing, secure communication, and encryption possible [20].…”

Quantum-ELSPI: A Novel Field of Research

“…It was only quite recently that the impact of QT on society became a topic in academic work. The work of Hoofnagle and Garfinkel (2022), Perrier (2022), Johnson (2018), Coenen and Grunwald (2017), Ten Holter et al (2021), De Wolf (2017, Vermaas (2017), Seskir et al (2023), Roberson (2023), De Jong (2022, and (Kop et al, 2023a, b), all in their own way explore Quantum-ELSPI and propose possible responses, laying the groundwork for further research. The articles that this topical collection features are among the most recent efforts within this field.…”

“…The third article by Elija Perrier, titled "The Quantum Governance Stack: Models of Governance for Quantum Information Technologies", showcases how the emergence of quantum information technologies -potentially among the most profound set of technologies ever created with broad potential applications in various industries and domains -has highlighted the need for practical approaches to governing their development and use (Perrier, 2022). Effective technology governance must balance multiple objectives, including supporting and facilitating technological progress while meeting legal requirements, societal expectations, and managing risks.…”