Emerging quantum technologies have capabilities unattainable by their classical equivalent, which in turn translate into a wide range of exciting, impactful applications across many economy sectors. Indeed, their potential for positive societal change is so great, their advance nowadays is often described in terms of a second “quantum revolution” – with the first one used to acknowledge the development of key technologies including transistors and semiconductors, lasers, medical imaging devices such as MRI scanners, atomic clocks and GPS, in the second half of the 20^th century.

And yet, it is widely understood that with great innovation often comes great risk. Quantum technologies are dual use, meaning they have both civil and defence/military applications. It is important to be open and transparent about this, and to acknowledge the responsibility that comes with this type of research and technology development, including in addressing risks such as:

·        technology development for its own sake, decoupled from societal need

·        failure to put effective regulation in place, including due to innovation speed

·        progress disproportionate to hype

·        big industry takeovers focusing on profit oversocietal/environmental concerns

·        lack of equitable access to the new technologies resulting in two-tier societies of haves and have-nots

·        emerging technologies ending up in wrong hands

The National Quantum Technologies Programme has acknowledged the need for principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) to be applied to the development of these critical technologies since its inception in 2013. The aim of RRI is to align scientific research with societal values, needs and expectations. This priority was reaffirmed in 2017, when EPSRC commissioned a public dialogue into quantum technologies. The findings recorded high levels of excitement about these emerging technologies, as well as a number of concerns along the lines summarised above. In parallel, and on the basis of evidence collected via various consultation routes, multiple iterations of the UK national quantum strategy have all included firm commitments to technology development for societal good, quantum regulation and risk mitigation.

One route of addressing the wider community’s concerns about quantum technologies is through targeted outreach and dissemination of clear information.This is the role that Quantum City aspires to fulfil through diverse engagement activities and a comprehensive online depository of relevant resources into the subject. A complementary approach attempts to bring together the scientific and industry communities and to encourage them to consider the relevant issues around RRI with the aim of developing appropriate responses. This latter approach is the one championed by the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum – RQIF.

The Responsible Quantum Industry Forum was established in 2024 by the National Quantum Computing Centre. Working closely with UKQuantum, a members’ organisation advocating the advance of the quantum sector and theadoption of its technologies, and techUK, the country’s technology trade association, RQIF aims to support the quantum community to develop and use these emerging technologies responsibly and ethically through:

·        a commitment to principles of RRI

·        acting as an enabler guiding responsible decision making

·        providing a basis for collaboration on this topic

·        providing assurance to and building trust for the wider community

To find out more about the work of the network and to submit an expression of interest to join the forum as a quantum practitioner, visit their website at:

https://www.nqcc.ac.uk/infrastructure/responsible-quantum-industry-forum/n.org.uk/  

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