Advancing International Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology: Implications for Federal Government Contractors
Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) is at the cutting edge of scientific discovery, with the potential to transform industries through enhanced computing, secure communication, and novel sensing technologies. Recognizing its revolutionary potential, the Biden-Harris administration has prioritized QIST in its national policy. However, like with many cutting-edge technologies, the United States cannot achieve QIST's full potential alone. International cooperation is not only helpful, but also necessary for accelerating growth, assuring access to global resources, and retaining the United States' leadership in this quickly expanding industry.
The Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) recently published a report emphasizing the need to increase international cooperation in quantum information science. The paper emphasizes that, while the United States has a history of collaboration in quantum research, there are crucial possibilities to strengthen and adapt its approach to better harness international interactions. For federal government contractors, these developments bring both difficulties and possibilities that must be carefully considered and strategically planned.
One of the report's primary findings is the need for the US government to establish dedicated and long-term funding channels for international QIST collaboration. The present US funding approach for research and development (R&D) is decentralized, with numerous agencies pursuing their own agendas. While this method has encouraged innovation, it also hampers involvement in large-scale multinational collaborations. Other countries, particularly those in the European Union, have built more centralized financial arrangements, allowing them to participate in large collaborative endeavors more efficiently. For US contractors, this means that there may be more opportunities to participate in overseas projects, but they will need to navigate a more complex financial system. For foreign contractors, the establishment of specialized funding channels by the US government would simplify the procedure and pave the way for more collaborative projects.
In addition to money, the research recommends improving interagency coordination of international collaboration procedures. Currently, international partners may approach numerous US agencies for collaboration, frequently without being aware of previous engagements. This lack of coordination can result in duplicative efforts and inefficiencies, which are especially costly in a resource-intensive sector like QIST. By enhancing coordination, the US government hopes to develop a more integrated portfolio of foreign QIST initiatives, ensuring that resources are used more effectively and that joint efforts are in line with national priorities. For government contractors, this might result in more streamlined processes and clearer pathways to overseas collaborations, making it easier to discover and interact with key partners.
The report also underlines the significance of defining and measuring KPIs for QIST's global competitiveness, as well as supporting technology. QIST is a highly interdisciplinary discipline, with progress assessed not only in terms of financing or publication output, but also in the creation of a trained workforce and the establishment of a strong supply network. The United States government realizes that traditional measurements may not fully represent the intricacies of success in QIST. As a result, there is a push to develop more sophisticated techniques that would provide a clearer picture of how the United States compares to its worldwide competitors. For contractors, this emphasis on metrics may result in more targeted investments in areas where the United States lags, opening up new opportunities for those with innovative solutions or specialized experience.
International cooperation in QIST is not without difficulties. According to the paper, as quantum technologies mature and acquire public notice, governments may aim to undermine cooperation in order to gain a perceived strategic advantage. Such efforts could impede the field's progress and put a strain on world resources. To address this, the United States is committed to working with its foreign partners to ensure that QIST development remains a collaborative, science-driven activity based on shared principles such as scientific rigor, openness, and transparency. For contractors, this means that the landscape of QIST partnership may evolve due to geopolitical considerations, and remaining up to date on regulatory changes will be critical to successfully navigating these waters.
The paper continues by stressing the importance of international cooperation in the United States' QIST policy. The proposals made—establishing dedicated funding mechanisms, improving interagency cooperation, and providing better metrics—are all aimed at ensuring that the United States continues at the forefront of quantum research. For federal government contractors, these developments represent an opportunity to work in one of the most fascinating and possibly transformative sectors of science and technology. By establishing themselves as essential players in the global QIST ecosystem, contractors may contribute to and benefit from innovations that will impact the future of industries and national security.