Quantum computing is on the brink of becoming a reality that can transform industries and improve our lives in numerous ways.
Consider some of the practical applications of quantum computing we could soon realize:
- Quantum technologies can vastly improve predictive capabilities to aid disaster preparedness, climate science, and resource management.
- Quantum computing can accelerate drug discovery and development by simulating molecular interactions with high precision.
- Quantum computing can revolutionize materials sciences to speed up the creation of advanced materials with tailored properties, dramatically reducing development cycles, and minimizing waste in production.
- Quantum computing can streamline complex logistical operations, optimize routing, inventory management, and predictive maintenance, thereby reducing costs, minimizing waste, and significantly enhancing operational efficiency.
- Quantum computing can optimize power grid management and improve battery technologies.
As the technology matures, its potential applications across different sectors are becoming clearer. This highlights the critical need for strategic leadership to maximize these benefits.
The Senate’s bipartisan vote last week to confirm Michael Kratsios as the head of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is an important step toward ensuring leadership in developing policies to support the development and use of quantum computing. In the first Trump Administration, as the Chief Technology Officer, Kratsios launched Quantum.gov as a digital hub to share information about quantum work throughout the government. He has indicated quantum computing will be a priority in this term.
One important step Congress can take is to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative Act. But it is crucial that the administration think strategically about how to promote and enable the use of quantum technologies in different industry sectors.
As with artificial intelligence (AI), success includes both the development of the technology and the adoption of it by the industries that stand the most to benefit. Also similar to AI, policymakers benefit from thinking about the implications of technology now, and how to champion the strategic development of breakthrough technology like quantum computing.
Harnessing quantum computing’s full potential will require targeted policies, strategic investments, and collaborative public-private partnerships. With deliberate and coordinated action, quantum computing can secure America’s economic growth and leadership for decades to come.
