Strategies for Government Officials to Foster Progress in Quantum Computing Technology
Join a thought-provoking discussion on the future of quantum computing in the United States, scheduled for July 14, 2021, at 6:00 PM CEST / 12:00 PM EDT. This discussion, open for public engagement on Twitter using the hashtag #ourwebsite, promises to bring together key figures in the quantum computing industry.
Hodan Omaar, Policy Analyst at the Center for Data Innovation, will moderate the discussion. Speakers include Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), Allison Schwartz, Global Government Relations and Public Affairs Lead at D-Wave, Rima Kasia Oueid, Commercialization Executive at the Office of Technology Transitions, U.S. Department of Energy, and Christopher Savoie, CEO & Co-Founder of Zapata Computing.
The topic of the report being discussed by the Center for Data Innovation is supporting quantum computing in the United States. As the race to lead in quantum technology heats up, with countries like China, the United Kingdom, and the EU announcing large research programs, the United States' leadership is not guaranteed. However, companies are using quantum systems to address optimization challenges in various areas such as healthcare, defense, the environment, and transportation, highlighting the strategic importance of this technology to a country's economy and national security.
The discussion will focus on the recommended steps for Congress and federal agencies to support quantum computing development. These steps include passing legislation to significantly increase research and development funding, establishing regulatory frameworks, and driving a structured transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to secure sensitive information.
Key actions detailed in recent initiatives include increasing federal funding and R&D support, defining and addressing quantum cybersecurity threats, agency-specific risk assessments and migration plans, pilot program requirements, establishing standards and coordinated strategies, and federal spending on the PQC transition. Together, these steps reflect a comprehensive strategy by Congress and federal agencies to accelerate quantum computing development while addressing associated cybersecurity challenges in a staged, well-funded, and coordinated manner.
For more insights, follow the discussion on Twitter using the hashtag #ourwebsite. The Center for Data Innovation's Twitter handle is @DataInnovation. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with industry leaders and contribute to the conversation on the future of quantum computing in the United States.
