The UK has potential to lead the global quantum computing industry, but currently trails behind countries like Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands in adoption and deployment.
A new report titled A New National Purpose: A UK Quantum Strategy for Sovereignty and Scale highlights urgent action to secure Britain's success in the upcoming technology revolution and ensure national security.
Once limited to scientific research, quantum technologies are quickly evolving into a commercial sector. Applications include satellite-free navigation, accelerated drug discovery, and ultra-powerful computing capable of solving problems in seconds that currently take years.
According to Tony Blair and Lord Hague, leading countries in quantum technology will gain significant economic and geopolitical power, while those lagging will rely on foreign technology for security and prosperity.
"Quantum represents the next key stage of the technology revolution. Quantum technologies will remove classical bottlenecks and expand the boundaries of possibility, while leaving late movers to the fates of technological dependence."
The report urges the UK government to embrace a strategic approach to quantum computing to avoid losing competitive edge in the new tech era.
Author's Summary: The UK must act decisively to lead in quantum computing, or risk economic and security dependence on foreign powers amid rapid technological advances.