Piloting the Quantum Economy Blueprint Lessons from Saudi Arabia 2026

Foreword Quantum technologies are rapidly transitioning from the laboratory into the realm of strategic policy- making. For governments, the question is no longer whether quantum matters, but how to act responsibly amid uncertain timelines, evolving capabilities and emerging risks. The greatest risks lie not only in technological unknowns, but also in fragmented efforts, delayed coordination and the lack of a shared approach to decision-making amid uncertainty. Around the world, quantum ambition is accelerating, yet national readiness remains uneven. This unevenness underscores the need for frameworks that assist leaders in organizing early action, aligning diverse stakeholders and anticipating governance, security and ethical considerations before technological trajectories are fully defined. In this context, the World Economic Forum’s Quantum Economy Blueprint provides a framework for value- led,1 democratic access to quantum resources.This publication reflects a collaborative effort between the World Economic Forum and the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia to explore how such a global framework can be applied in national contexts. It is not intended as a prescriptive model to be replicated or a forecast of technological outcomes. By sharing lessons from Saudi Arabia’s piloting experience, we aim to assist policy-makers, regulators and industry leaders navigating similar uncertainty, and to enrich the global dialogue on the responsible, inclusive adoption of quantum technologies. As the field continues to evolve, collective learning across countries will strengthen quantum readiness. We hope this publication serves as a practical reference for those seeking to act early, balancing momentum with realism and innovation with responsibility.Basmah AlBuhairan Managing Director, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi ArabiaJeremy Jurgens Managing Director, World Economic Forum Piloting the Quantum Economy Blueprint: Lessons from Saudi ArabiaApril 2026 Piloting the Quantum Economy Blueprint 3