Charting the landscape for responsible and ethical quantum computing
Although at an early stage of development, quantum computing offers…
This pivotal moment in quantum computing’s evolution presents an important opportunity to take a responsible and ethical approach to its development and use. As we’ve learnt from past examples of emerging technologies, such considerations must enter at an early stage. This enables steering the trajectory of development towards maximising societal benefits, ensuring equitable distribution, and minimising potential risks.
At the NQCC, we work proactively to embed responsible and ethical quantum computing (REQC) throughout all of our activities underpinned by our Quantum STATES principles, as well as championing and enabling a responsible approach across the quantum landscape. Our strategy for responsible and ethical quantum computing spans three pillars.
Download the REQC Action PlanREQC research
Firstly, we are carrying out research on societal, ethical, and policy considerations, leveraging our technical expertise to provide thought leadership, and disseminating our understanding into policy discussions, as well as the responsible quantum research community.
Embedding REQC at the NQCC
Our research also informs the second pillar: embedding and operationalising REQC internally. To support our responsible approach, we developed the NQCC’s Quantum STATES principles, with input from across our functions, and are working with our teams to build understanding, processes, and tools to put our principles into practice.
Enabling REQC
The final pillar is enabling: championing responsible quantum and building capabilities throughout the quantum computing community. We support quantum industry in putting responsible innovation into practice through the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum, initiated by the NQCC, with techUK and UKQuantum as industry co-chairs. We also embed REQC into our workforce development and training activities. The NQCC’s annual Quantum Hackathon incorporates REQC as a core component, training a new generation of quantum computing researchers to consider and address societal and ethical considerations to innovate responsibly. We also include REQC into our CDT support, through workshops and tailored consultation.
NQCC’s Quantum STATES principles for responsible and ethical quantum computing
Today marks the launch of the NQCC’s Quantum STATES principles:…