Publication
Quantum 2030 - A National Quantum Technologies Strategy for Ireland
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
Quantum technology is an exciting and rapidly evolving field of scientific research and innovation with tremendous disruptive potential in the medium to long term. The anticipated applications for this technology range from drug discovery, new materials and new ways to tackle climate change to financial services, cybersecurity and a quantum internet. As a result, billions of euro are being invested internationally by both governments and private investors as companies and countries race to make their mark in this space.
Ireland is ideally situated to capitalise on the opportunities presented by quantum technology.
We are fortunate to have a highly interconnected quantum community with capabilities and strengths across the full quantum stack well beyond what our small size would suggest. Coupled to this is the presence of many of the world’s largest quantum technology enterprises in Ireland. By coordinating these strengths under a national quantum-technology strategy, we can deliver on an ambitious vision by 2030 to make Ireland an internationally competitive hub in quantum technologies at the forefront of scientific and engineering advances, through research, talent, collaboration and innovation.
There are four distinct pillars to the strategy with an additional, entangled pillar that interacts with all four pillars. Notably, this strategy recognises the importance of fundamental research in broad quantum and related science and engineering with an increasing focus specifically on quantum technologies as we move across the pillars.
By 2030, Ireland is an internationally competitive hub in quantum technologies at the forefront of scientific and engineering advances, through research, talent, collaboration and innovation.
Pillar 1 focuses on supporting excellent fundamental and applied quantum research. This internationally excellent research underpins advances in quantum technologies. Ireland has a strong track record in fundamental and applied quantum research, and we need to enhance this further to enable breakthrough discoveries and feed the pipeline of innovations and technologies. The best way to move knowledge through our economy and society is by fostering top science and engineering talent Pillar 2 . Developing a pipeline of agile, innovative and highly skilled individuals across the spectrum of quantum science, engineering and technology while also improving equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is a no-regret investment for the state.
As a small country, we need to build on the advantage of our interconnectedness while also contributing to, and learning from, international best practice. This will be done through greater national and international collaboration Pillar 3 in the field of quantum technologies. To fully capitalise on the opportunities quantum technologies will provide, we need a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and economic competitiveness Pillar 4 . This pillar seeks to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in quantum technologies and related areas, including in indigenous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also aims to strengthen collaborative work between academia and enterprise.
Finally, as quantum technologies are new and evolving at pace, it is important that we build awareness of quantum technologies and real-world benefits across a broad range of stakeholders Pillar 5 . The purpose of this pillar is to have a quantum-literate society that takes full advantage, for everyone, of the benefits quantum technologies can bring. To ensure the ambitions in Pillar 1 to 4 are realised, the stakeholders involved in these pillars will also need to focus on actions outlined in Pillar 5.
