Quantum Technologies Key Strategies and Opportunities for ICT Leaders 2025

5Strategic pillars for policy makers and ICT innovators Empowering the global ICT ecosystem requires strategic vision, initiatives and investments to propel the quantum economy. To cultivate a sustainable innovations pipeline and harness significant economic value, regulators should engage the quantum industry through five pillars – R&D, infrastructure and technology, public-private partnerships, start-ups and private ventures, and education and workforce – using targeted incentives to drive growth and ecosystem engagement. The following sections present a detailed overview of these insights, supported by successful initiatives from across the globe. 5.1 R&D 5.2 Infrastructure and technology 5.3 Public-private partnershipsA strong foundation of R&D is vital for advancing the quantum economy. Regulators should prioritize funding for fundamental and applied research, and cultivate multidisciplinary initiatives that combine quantum physics, computer science and engineering to address complex challenges. Mechanisms such as government grants, tax incentives and academic collaborations can drive innovations while ensuring transparency and inclusivity. For example, the World Economic Forum’s Technology Policy: Responsible Design for a Flourishing World white paper underscores the necessity of regulation in the ICT industry to stimulate innovation and seed critical quantum technologies for economic growth.28 Developing a robust infrastructure is critical for the growth of the quantum ecosystem. Governments should create favourable environments that promote investment in quantum data centres, secure communication networks and specialized hardware labs, and support scalable infrastructure like quantum internet testbeds and regional hubs. Long-term planning should ensure integration with existing ICT systems and lay the foundations for global quantum networks. Regulating quantum technology applications: government response to the RHC29 highlights the establishment of quantum hubs and the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) by the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF), offering actionable guidance for transitioning to quantum-secure systems and aligning technologies with public interest protections. The International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU’s) Database of Standards30 includes global quantum standards, covering network and security aspects like QKD and PQC. It also supports international collaboration and helps ensure the smooth deployment of interoperable quantum technologies. Public-private partnerships are essential for accelerating quantum innovations, bringing together government, academia and industry stakeholders to effectively commercialize technologies. These collaborations enable sharing of resources, expertise and risk, expediting the transition from research to real-world applications. For instance, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act31 in the US highlights the value of such partnerships, authorizing prize challenges and supporting efforts to strengthen the resilience of the quantum supply chain. Regulators play a key role in facilitating these collaborations to ensure equitable access and maximize benefits. Quantum Technologies: Key Strategies and Opportunities for ICT Leaders 17