World Quantum Day is a moment to recognize scientific progress — but for policymakers, it should also serve as a call to action.
Quantum computing is advancing quickly toward real-world deployment, with the potential to transform sectors ranging from energy and finance to health care and cybersecurity. The policy window is open now. Governments that move decisively — through clear strategy, sustained investment, and international coordination — will shape how quantum technologies are deployed and governed globally.
The Business Software Alliance’s 2026 Quantum Agenda sets out a path for that leadership. It reflects a simple reality: while many governments have launched quantum initiatives, too many remain fragmented and under-resourced. What’s needed now is execution — policies that enable deployment, commercialization, and adoption across the full quantum technology ecosystem.
In the United States, this moment presents a real opportunity. A new, updated quantum strategy from the White House — paired with the reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative Act — can provide the long-term direction, coordination, and investment needed to maintain global leadership.
These steps are not just symbolic. They are essential to aligning agencies, accelerating commercialization, and ensuring that the United States remains competitive as other regions advance their own coordinated quantum agendas.
Across the Atlantic, the European Union (EU) is also stepping up its quantum ambitions, including plans for a potential EU Quantum Act to strengthen coordination and accelerate deployment, reinforcing the importance of aligned strategies among trusted partners.
From Breakthroughs to Real-World Impact
Quantum breakthroughs are often associated with hardware milestones. But, as with previous computing revolutions, software, algorithms, and integration layers will ultimately determine where real value is created.
That is why BSA’s agenda emphasizes investment across the entire quantum stack — from infrastructure and networking to software tools and applications. Governments that focus only on foundational research risk missing the broader opportunity to enable industry adoption and scalable deployment.
Preparing industries for quantum adoption, supporting startups and testbeds, and building a workforce fluent in quantum technologies are all essential components of a modern quantum strategy.
Collaboration as Strategy
Encouragingly, governments are increasingly recognizing that quantum leadership will not be achieved alone.
Over the past several years, like-minded countries have expanded joint research initiatives, bilateral partnerships, and coordinated approaches to standards and security. These efforts — from trans-Atlantic cooperation to Indo-Pacific partnerships — demonstrate that trusted collaboration is becoming a central pillar of quantum strategy.
This trend should continue. Interoperable frameworks, shared research efforts, and coordinated policies will be critical to scaling quantum technologies globally while reinforcing security and trust.
Preparing for What Comes Next
At the same time, governments must prepare for the risks that accompany quantum advancement.
The upgrade to post-quantum cryptography is an urgent priority. Governments should act now to develop migration road maps, launch pilot programs, and assess vulnerabilities across critical infrastructure. Early action will reduce long-term costs and strengthen resilience.
Efforts are already underway in some regions. In the European Union, a coordinated road map for post-quantum cryptography is advancing early migration, public-private collaboration, and alignment with international standards. Deeper trans-Atlantic coordination will be key to ensuring secure and interoperable systems globally.
Acting With Urgency
Quantum technologies will not wait for policy to catch up.
The countries that lead in quantum will shape the standards, norms, and economic benefits of this technology for decades to come. With a clear national strategy, strong legislative foundations like the National Quantum Initiative Act, a new EU Quantum Act, and deeper collaboration with trusted partners, the United States and its allies have a path forward.
World Quantum Day should not only celebrate progress — it should mark the moment governments commit to leading in the quantum era.
Read BSA’s 2026 Quantum Agenda here.
