A new report released by the Regulatory Horizons Council on Wednesday outlines a pro-innovation strategy for regulating quantum technologies in the UK. The report, which aligns with the National Quantum Strategy, offers key recommendations for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to safely advance quantum technologies.
Quantum technologies have the potential to address significant societal challenges and unlock capabilities yet to be explored, from enhancing disease screening to revolutionizing computing power. Recognizing the transformative impact of quantum technologies, the UK government has identified it as one of the five critical technologies in the Science and Technology Framework.
The Regulatory Horizons Council, an independent expert committee sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, serves to provide impartial advice on regulatory reforms needed to support new technologies’ safe and rapid integration.
Emphasizing the proactive planning needed for future regulation to facilitate long-term investment and certainty, the report advocates for a regulatory framework that attracts and retains domestic and international expertise while fostering healthy competition within the UK.
Science Minister Andrew Griffith MP welcomed the report, underscoring the government’s commitment to leveraging technological innovation for economic growth and establishing the UK as a regulatory best practice leader. The Minister highlighted plans to develop a response to the report’s recommendations in the coming months.
The report contains 14 crucial recommendations covering various aspects of regulation, governance, funding, and international collaborations. Industry representatives and stakeholders in the quantum technology sector have expressed support for the report’s balanced approach that promotes innovation while ensuring safety and public interest.
TechUK’s Director of Tech and Innovation, Sue Daley, emphasized the importance of engaging in discussions early on to establish a pro-innovation regulatory framework for quantum technologies in the UK. This proactive approach not only provides regulatory clarity but also mitigates economic risks, maximizing opportunities for quantum businesses.
As quantum technologies move towards commercialization, collaboration between stakeholders and a focus on responsible innovation will be critical. The UKQuantum’s Executive Director, Jonathan Legh-Smith, stressed the significance of a collaborative industry-government approach to advance quantum technologies and maintain the UK’s global leadership position in the field.
In line with the National Quantum Strategy’s commitment of £2.5 billion over the next decade for quantum research and innovation, the report’s recommendations aim to create a regulatory environment that supports the ethical use of quantum technologies while safeguarding national capabilities and security.
With the potential to revolutionize critical sectors such as health, energy, communications, finance, and security, effective regulation will play a pivotal role in accelerating the UK’s quantum economy. The report sets a framework for regulatory development, highlighting the need for regulations that complement and support the growing commercialization activities in the quantum technology sector.
