The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) released “Growing Australia’s Quantum Technology Industry,” a roadmap prepared by CSIRO Futures under the direction of CSIRO Chief Scientist Dr. Cathy Foley. The roadmap outlined a vision to create a thriving quantum technology industry generating AU$4 billion annually and 16,000 jobs by 2040.
CSIRO identified three main opportunity areas for Australia: quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications. The report argued that commercializing these technologies could create an Australian industry worth AU$2.2 billion and 8,700 jobs by 2030, rising to nearly AU$6 billion and 19,400 jobs by 2045.
Recommendations included continued investment in research and development, support for translating research into commercial products, and a coordinated national approach involving federal and state governments, industry, and researchers. A discussion paper preceding the roadmap had been released in November 2019.