The Quantum Computing Governance Principles provide a framework for stakeholders across different industries and market sectors

Chuck Martin, Editorial Director AI & IoT

February 2, 2022

2 Min Read
Image shows a digital transformation concept. Binary code. Programming. Quantum computer.
Getty Images

In an attempt to accelerate responsible quantum computing, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has issued a set of guiding principles for the market.

The Quantum Computing Governance Principles provide a framework for stakeholders across different industries and market sectors.

“Assuming that the majority of those involved in developing the technology intend it to have a positive impact on humanity, it is vital to have a set of principles on which key stakeholders such as researchers, developers, users and governments can agree,”
states the WEF report.

At the center of the principles are seven core values:

  • Transparency

  • Accessibility

  • Non-maleficence 

  • Equitability

  • Inclusiveness

  • Accountability

  • Common good

The principles were developed with “quantum science and technology experts, business leaders, social scientists, policy-makers and authorities on emerging technology ethics and law” globally.

The principles are organized into nine themes, as stated by the World Economic Forum:

  • Transformative capabilities: Harness the transformative capabilities of this technology and the applications for the good of humanity while managing the risks appropriately.

  • Access to hardware infrastructure: Ensure wide access to quantum computing hardware.

  • Open innovation: Encourage collaboration and a precompetitive environment, enabling faster development of the technology and the realization of its applications.

  • Creating awareness: Ensure the general population and quantum computing

stakeholders are aware, engaged and sufficiently informed to enable ongoing responsible dialogue and communication; stakeholders with oversight and authority should be able to make informed decisions about quantum computing in their respective domains.

  • Workforce development and capability building: Build and sustain a quantum ready workforce.

  • Cybersecurity: Ensure the transition to a quantum-secure digital world.

  • Privacy: Mitigate potential data-privacy violations through theft and processing by quantum computers.

  • Standardization: Promote standards and road-mapping mechanisms to accelerate the development of the technology.

  • Sustainability: Develop a sustainable future with and for quantum computing technology

The next step is for the governance workstream of the World Economic Forum’s Quantum Computing Network to work with stakeholders to adopt the principles.

Subscribe to the Newsletter | Enter Quantum (knect365.com)

About the Author(s)

Chuck Martin

Editorial Director AI & IoT

Chuck Martin, author of "Flying Vehicles," New York Times Business Bestselling author and futurist, is Editorial Director at Informa Tech, home of AI Business, IoT World Today and Enter Quantum. Martin has been a leader in emerging digital technologies for more than two decades. He is considered one of the foremost emerging technology experts in the world and his latest book title "Flying Vehicles" (The Emergence of Personal Air Travel, Flying Cars, and Air Taxis) followed "Digital Transformation 3.0" (The New Business-to-Consumer Connections of The Internet of Things).  He hosts a worldwide podcast titled “The Voices of the Internet of Things with Chuck Martin,” where he converses with top executives from the companies driving the adoption of emerging technology.

Sign Up for the Newsletter
The most up-to-date news and insights into the latest emerging technologies ... delivered right to your inbox!

You May Also Like