Quantum technologies

Tech Radar Episode 2

Quantum technologies have been hailed for years as the key technology of the future, yet their actual relevance remains underestimated in public perception. While politics and industry wait for the “next major paradigm shift,” development is happening slowly but steadily: quantum is no longer merely the projection surface for futuristic visions, but is beginning to penetrate today’s technological infrastructure. From quantum‑secure random number generators in smartphones to early quantum communication networks, the technology is clearly transitioning into early reality. The decisive question is therefore no longer whether the revolution is coming, but when and who will shape it. This question is at the heart of the second episode of the “Tech Radar” publication series, written by Valentin Weber and Céline Nauer.

The analysis shows that Europe has a strong scientific foundation in this field, but its potential is threatened by fragmentation. Munich’s Quantum Valley, Delft, and Paris are among the most capable hubs worldwide, yet they operate like islands in a sea of national jurisdictions. By contrast, the United States is building a highly scalable ecosystem with massive private investment, while China is using quantum technology strategically as a geopolitical instrument by building international quantum communication networks along political alliances. For Europe, one thing becomes clear: anyone who wants to hold their ground in the global technology competition needs more than excellent research. Europe needs a shared direction.

At the same time, profound technological shifts are emerging that make Europe’s strategic decisions urgent. The interplay between artificial intelligence and quantum computing could radically accelerate data‑intensive processes and enable new industrial applications. Moreover, the diffusion of quantum‑based technologies throughout the IoT stack - from navigation to cryptography - will increase significantly in the years ahead. These developments are not hypothetical scenarios but trend lines already visible today. Those who want to remain resilient in the future must begin now to make their digital infrastructure quantum‑secure.

For European policymakers, this creates a clear mandate for action: connect, diffuse, become visible. Europe’s hotspots must be linked through new mobility programs and shared testbeds. Quantum‑resilient technologies must be systematically integrated into critical infrastructure. And Europe needs a public narrative that underscores its ambitions - perhaps through a global Quantum Summit. In this case, strategic foresight means not waiting for the next breakthrough but actively shaping it.