Addressing the talent gap in quantum computing
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In this publication, Prachi Mishra talks about the talent gap in quantum computing and how the Quad can work together to address it.
Key points
- With rising government expenditure and private sector investments in quantum computing, the need for talent in academia, industry, and government has increased. Unlike other emerging technologies, quantum computing will need to be managed by scientists and physicists.
- The talent gap has reduced, but continues to be significant: in 2022, about two-thirds of quantum computing jobs could be taken up by recent graduates, compared to a third in 2021.
- Workforce development is impeded by overburdened academia, industry not keeping pace with R&D, and the fact that many quantum computing companies are led by non-experts.
Policy recommendations
- Quad members could formulate and devise a common curriculum for schools and university education in quantum computing. A consortium of quantum labs, research institutes, university departments, and institutes of higher education among the Quad members can be built to design this curriculum.
- Tailored proofs-of-concept (POCs) should be provided by academia and R&D labs to industry to strengthen their interlinkages. This will deepen the trust of industry in quantum science, while also helping to fine-tune their investment strategies.
- Key decision-making roles should be provided to quantum scientists to deliver timely outcomes, reduce siloed working, and give proper direction to technological development.
- Governments should spearhead the creation of a network of networks, which consists of academia, civil society, technologists, scientists, and relevant government agencies to ensure the many facets of quantum computing workforce are developed.
About the series
This paper has been written for the Quad Tech Network Dialogue, as part of the Quad Tech Network (QTN) initiative. QTN is an initiative of the NSC, delivered with support from the Australian Government. It aims to establish and deepen academic and official networks linking the Quad nations – Australia, India, Japan, and the United States – in relation to the most pressing technology issues affecting the future security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.
