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How to introduce quantum computers without slowing economic growth

To smooth the path of the quantum revolution, researchers and governments must predict and prepare for the traps ahead.
  1. Chander Velu

    1. Chander Velu is a professor of innovation and economics at the Institute for Manufacturing, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

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  2. Fathiro H. R. Putra

    1. Fathiro H. R. Putra is a lecturer in industrial engineering and engineering management at the Faculty of Industrial Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia.

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Close-up of the gold interior of a quantum computer

The Quantum System One is a quantum computer made by the technology corporation IBM. Credit: IBM (CC BY-ND 2.0)

The race is on to develop commercial quantum computers. The breakthroughs they promise — new ways of simulating materials, optimizing processes and improving machine learning — could transform society, just as today’s digital computers have done. But the route to delivering economic benefits is uncertain. The digital revolution took decades and required businesses to replace expensive equipment and completely rethink how they operate. The quantum computing revolution could be much more painful1.

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Nature 619, 461-464 (2023)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-02317-x

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Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

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