Quantum technology has emerged as a central arena of global strategic competition. Both the United States and Canada have sought to strengthen their respective quantum ecosystems through sustained policy leadership, substantial investment in research and development, and the cultivation of dedicated technology clusters. Since the passage of the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQI Act) in 2018, the United States has established a national quantum governance framework led by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Department of Energy (DOE). This framework spans quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing, and is reinforced through regulatory instruments and cross‑agency coordination to advance national‑level deployment of quantum technologies. A defining feature of U.S. policy is
its strong emphasis on interagency collaboration, regulatory alignment, standards development, and supply‑chain integration, enabling quantum technologies to transition more rapidly from fundamental research to practical applications.
Quantum Technology Policy and Strategic Developmentin the United States
In recent years, the United States has further strengthened its quantum policy architecture through the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act and National Security Memorandum 10 (NSM‑10), which mandate the phased adoption of post‑quantum cryptography (PQC) across federal agencies to mitigate future risks posed by cryptographically relevant quantum computers. In parallel, the Department of Energy (DOE) and national defense agencies released updated Quantum Information Science (QIS) roadmaps in 2024, directing investment toward quantum materials research, quantum-resilient security models, and quantum simulation capabilities. Major technology firms, including IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, have established a comprehensive Quantum-as‑a‑Service (QaaS) ecosystem, while start‑ups such as IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and PsiQuantum continue to advance superconducting, trapped‑ion, and photonic quantum architectures. These efforts are supported by a geographically distributed quantum cluster network spanning Illinois, Colorado, and New York, forming an integrated pipeline from talent development and research to commercialization.
Canada’s Quantum Technology Policy and Development Strategy
In 2023, Canada launched its National Quantum Strategy, committing CAD 360 million to the development of quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing. The strategy places strong emphasis on academic research capacity, international collaboration, and alignment with industrial value chains. Key quantum clusters are centered around the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo, the Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (QMI) at the University of British Columbia, and the Montréal Quantum Hub. Canadian quantum enterprises, including D‑Wave, Xanadu, and Photonic, have achieved tangible
progress in quantum annealing, photonic quantum computing, and quantum communications. Canada’s approach integrates research excellence with active industry participation and international cooperation, and offers a highly relevant reference model for small and medium‑sized economies, particularly in the development of technology clusters and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.
Canada has also placed particular emphasis on the commercialization and societal adoption of quantum technologies. This includes the introduction of quantum talent development programs, ethical guidelines, and cross‑sector demonstration environments. Application models have been promoted in areas such as healthcare, finance, artificial intelligence, and climate technologies, facilitating a gradual transition of quantum innovation from academic research to market deployment. The Canadian government has further supported the advancement of quantum standards and quantum cybersecurity, working in parallel with the United States to promote the implementation of post-quantum cryptography (PQC).
Conclusion: Policy Implications and Strategic Recommendations for Taiwan
The experiences of the United States and Canada provide valuable insights for the advancement of Taiwan’s quantum technology policy. Taiwan should adopt a strategy centered on cross ministerial coordination, stable long term policy support, and the systematic development of research and innovation clusters to ensure continuity and scale in quantum investment. As an initial step, Taiwan could establish a cross agency Quantum Technology Coordination Platform to integrate resources from the National Science and Technology Council, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Academia Sinica, and industry stakeholders.
This platform would be tasked with formulating a medium to long term strategic roadmap and advancing initiatives related to post quantum cryptography adoption, quantum standards development, and the quantum enablement of critical infrastructure.
In addition, Taiwan should strengthen linkages between quantum technologies and its ICT manufacturing sector, encouraging closer collaboration between research institutions and technology enterprises in the development of quantum components, algorithms, and c ommunication pr otoc ols. Designating locations such as Hsinchu Science Park or the Southern Taiwan Science Park as dedicated quantum clusters would enable start ups, academic institutions, and international firms to engage in coordinated innovation and shared experimentation. Further efforts should focus on deepening international cooperation through talent exchange, joint research programs, and technical partnerships with leading institutions such as the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), the Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (QMI), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, thereby enhancing Taiwan’s global visibility and influence in the quantum technology ecosystem.
Finally, Taiwan should actively promote quantum application demonstration projects in areas aligned with its existing industrial strengths, including smart manufacturing, semiconductor process simulation, power grid security, medical optimization, and quantum‑based financial risk analysis. By aligning policy momentum, strengthening industry–academia collaboration, and expanding international engagement, Taiwan can establish a resilient and influential technological position within the evolving global quantum landscape.
