The OECD published “A Quantum Technologies Policy Primer” on January 28, 2025, as Digital Economy Papers No. 371. The 72-page paper was approved and declassified by the Digital Policy Committee on January 20, 2025. It was produced with input from the GFTech Focus Group on Quantum Technologies, which included approximately 40 research, industry, and government experts of 21 nationalities over a ten-month period.
According to the publication, the paper examines the transformative potential of quantum sensing, computing, and communication by outlining anticipated commercial applications and contributions to societal challenges, as well as digital, privacy, and national security risks. It identifies policy opportunities and challenges, including the role of government support in emerging technology ecosystems, supply chain constraints, and workforce development.
The primer calls for anticipatory governance and international collaboration in shaping values-based development of quantum technologies. It warns of risks including unequal access to quantum advancements, national security threats from dual-use applications, and supply chain constraints in critical materials. The paper represents the OECD’s first dedicated publication on quantum technology policy.