Quantum mechanics, developed as a physical theory more than a century ago, has become a fundamental driver of a new era of technological innovation. As quantum control (QC) and quantum error correction (QEC) technologies continue to advance, the stability and scalability of quantum systems have improved significantly, enabling quantum technologies to move beyond laboratory research into application domains such as healthcare, finance, industry, and communications. The integration of quantum technologies with artificial intelligence has further accelerated the development of hybrid and fault-tolerant quantum computing architectures. As a result, the global technology landscape is entering an era of quantum advantage, marked by profound shifts in technological paradigms and industrial structures.
Intensifying National Competition: Quantum Technology as a New Core of Technological Sovereignty
Quantum technologies carry high strategic value, with direct implications for economic security and technological sovereignty. To date, more than 30 countries have identified quantum technologies as a national strategic priority, with total investment exceeding USD 44.5 billion. The United States initiated the National Quantum Initiative Act in 2018, while the European Union has pursued an integrated approach to research and industrial development through the EU Quantum Technologies Flagship and the European Quantum Technologies Strategy, with the aim of achieving global leadership by 2030.
Given the potential of quantum computing to undermine existing encryption systems, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) have emerged as central pillars of national cybersecurity strategies, aimed at safeguarding future communications infrastructure and national defense capabilities.
Substantial Economic Potential: Driving Start-ups and Cross-Sectoral Applications
Quantum technologies continue to attract substantial global investment. At present, approximately 367 quantum‑focused start‑ups have been established worldwide, with total investment exceeding USD 8.5 billion. Applications span quantum sensing, quantum communications, and quantum computing. According to estimates by McKinsey, quantum computing could generate between USD 0.9 trillion and USD 2 trillion in economic value by 2035, with significant impacts across industries such as energy materials, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, financial services, and transportation and logistics.
Quantum simulation has the potential to significantly accelerate the design of new materials and pharmaceutical compounds. In the financial sector, quantum approaches may enhance risk forecasting and asset allocation, while in logistics and transportation, quantum algorithms can improve route optimization and energy efficiency, highlighting their strong potential for industrial applications.
Emerging International Cooperation and Governance Frameworks: Advancing Responsible Technological Development
The rapid advancement of quantum technologies has intensified global attention on governance frameworks, while also highlighting challenges related to talent shortages, ethical considerations, cybersecurity risks, and the absence of clearly defined standards. In recent years, APEC has examined the disruptive impacts of AI and quantum technologies and has promoted regional cooperation. In 2025, the Republic of Korea hosted the APEC Quantum Science and Technology Forum, focusing on policy dialogue in communications, computing, and sensing. Australia, meanwhile, has worked closely with international standardization bodies such as ISO and IEC to advance initiatives aimed at strengthening safety, security, and risk management in quantum technologies.
APEC also encourages cross‑institutional alliances to integrate resources from high‑performance computing centers, universities, and enterprises, with the aim of establishing shared platforms and interoperable frameworks. These efforts are intended to support SMEs and start‑ups in quantum research and to foster a more inclusive and forward-looking quantum governance environment.
Taiwan’s Positioning: Leveraging Manufacturing Strengths to Support the Global Quantum Ecosystem
Regardless of whether quantum computing architectures are based on superconducting circuits, trapped ions, or photonic systems, they all rely on advanced semiconductor manufacturing, cryogenic chip packaging, high-speed communications, and high- performance computing. Taiwan’s strong ICT and semiconductor supply chains, combined with advanced manufacturing capacity and systems integration capabilities, position the nation as a key enabler for global quantum enterprises across component development, prototype fabrication, and scalable production.
Looking ahead, if Taiwan can articulate a coherent roadmap for quantum technology and industry policy, continue to strengthen research and development in quantum control and quantum error correction, cultivate interdisciplinary quantum talent, and actively participate in international standard‑setting bodies such as IEEE, ETSI, ITU‑T, and ISO, it will be well positioned to further enhance its technological and industrial standing within the global quantum ecosystem.
Conclusion: Seizing the Paradigm Shift to Strengthen Future Industrial Competitiveness
The convergence of AI and quantum technologies is giving rise to a new technological paradigm. The Industry, Science and Technology International Strategy Center of ITRI has brought together leading domestic and international experts, including Nobel Laureate Professor Alain Aspect and quantum scholar Professor Ching-Ray Chang, to publish a dedicated publication on quantum technologies. This publication synthesizes perspectives on the quantum revolution, technological development, innovative applications, and global trends, providing a comprehensive reference for Taiwan’s policy design and industrial strategy.
Through sustained cross‑sector collaboration and long‑term investment, Taiwan is well positioned to emerge as a key technological partner in the global quantum landscape, while injecting new momentum into the development of future industries.
