Quantum Technologies as a Driver of Future Industrial Policy

Abstract

Quantum technologies are increasingly recognized as a disruptive frontier that will shape the next generation of industrial strategies. Developments in quantum computing, communication, and sensing promise not only technical breakthroughs but also significant economic and geopolitical consequences. Quantum computing can accelerate drug discovery, materials research, and complex optimization, while quantum communication opens new possibilities for secure data transfer beyond the reach of classical encryption. According to European Commission Reports and National Quantum Initiative Act, leading economies are already investing heavily: the European Union has committed over €1 billion to its Quantum Flagship program, while the United States launched the National Quantum Initiative Act in 2018 to coordinate research and industrial applications. These initiatives underscore the strategic nature of the field. For industrial policy, they also raise important questions: How should governments design roadmaps that foster public–private collaboration? What forms of regulation or incentives are needed to align innovation with competitiveness and security? At the same time, quantum technologies could support sustainability goals, for example through energy-efficient algorithms and advanced climate modeling. Positioning quantum technologies not only as an enabler but as a driver of future industrial policy is essential. Unlike incremental innovations, quantum breakthroughs will actively shape the direction of national strategies, global competitiveness, and sustainability agendas. Recognizing this driver role ensures that policymakers and industries move beyond adaptation, taking a proactive stance in designing resilient and forward-looking industrial ecosystems.

Keywords

• Quantum technologies
• industrial policy
• economic development
• sustainability
• geopolitics
• innovation driver
• national impact

Geleceğin Sanayi Politikalarında Belirleyici Güç Olarak Kuantum Teknolojileri

Abstract

Kuantum teknolojileri, gelecek nesil endüstriyel stratejileri şekillendirecek çığır açıcı bir alan olarak giderek daha fazla kabul görüyor. Kuantum hesaplama, iletişim ve algılama alanındaki gelişmeler yalnızca teknik atılımlar değil, aynı zamanda önemli ekonomik ve jeopolitik sonuçlar da vaat ediyor. Kuantum hesaplama, ilaç keşfini, malzeme araştırmalarını ve karmaşık optimizasyonları hızlandırabilirken, kuantum iletişimi klasik şifrelemenin ötesinde güvenli veri aktarımı için yeni olanaklar sunuyor. Avrupa Komisyonu Raporları ve Ulusal Kuantum Girişimi Yasası'na göre, önde gelen ekonomiler halihazırda büyük yatırımlar yapıyor: Avrupa Birliği, Kuantum Amiral Gemisi programına 1 milyar avronun üzerinde yatırım yaparken, Amerika Birleşik Devletleri 2018'de araştırma ve endüstriyel uygulamaları koordine etmek için Ulusal Kuantum Girişimi Yasası'nı başlattı. Bu girişimler, alanın stratejik doğasını vurguluyor. Endüstriyel politika açısından da önemli soruları gündeme getiriyorlar: Hükümetler, kamu-özel sektör iş birliğini teşvik eden yol haritalarını nasıl tasarlamalı? İnovasyonu rekabet gücü ve güvenlikle uyumlu hale getirmek için ne tür düzenlemelere veya teşviklere ihtiyaç var? Aynı zamanda, kuantum teknolojileri, örneğin enerji tasarruflu algoritmalar ve gelişmiş iklim modellemesi yoluyla sürdürülebilirlik hedeflerini destekleyebilir. Kuantum teknolojilerini yalnızca bir kolaylaştırıcı olarak değil, aynı zamanda gelecekteki endüstriyel politikaların itici gücü olarak konumlandırmak hayati önem taşımaktadır. Kademeli yeniliklerin aksine, kuantum atılımları ulusal stratejilerin, küresel rekabet gücünün ve sürdürülebilirlik gündemlerinin yönünü aktif olarak şekillendirecektir. Bu itici gücün farkına varmak, politika yapıcıların ve endüstrilerin adaptasyonun ötesine geçerek, dirençli ve geleceğe dönük endüstriyel ekosistemler tasarlamada proaktif bir duruş sergilemelerini sağlar.

Keywords

• Quantum technologies
• industrial policy
• economic development
• sustainability
• geopolitics
• innovation driver
• national impact

References

1. Aboy, M., Minssen, T., & Kop, M. (2022). Mapping the patent landscape of quantum technologies: Patenting trends, innovation and policy implications. IIC – International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition Law, 53(6), 853–882. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40319-022-01209-3
2. Aboy, M., Gasser, U., Cohen, I. G., & Kop, M. (2025). Quantum technology governance: A standards-first approach. Science, 389(6760), 575–578. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adw0018
3. Acín, A., Bloch, I., Buhrman, H., et al. (2018). The quantum technologies roadmap: A European community view. New Journal of Physics, 20(8), 080201.
4. Aiginger, K., & Rodrik, D. (2020). Rebirth of industrial policy and an agenda for the twenty-first century. Journal of Industry, Competition and Trade, 20, 189–207.
5. Aiello, C. D., Awschalom, D. D., Bernien, H., et al. (2021). Achieving a quantum-smart workforce. Quantum Science and Technology, 6(3), 030501.
6. Ajagekar, A., & You, F. (2019). Quantum computing for energy systems optimization. Energy, 179, 76–89.
7. Allen, G. C., & Benson, E. (2023). Clues to the U.S.-Dutch-Japanese semiconductor export controls deal are hiding in plain sight. Center for Strategic & International Studies.
8. Allende López, M., & Da Silva, M. (2019). Low-loss photonic components for quantum networks. IEEE Photonics Journal, 11(6), 1–10.

9. Andreoni, A., & Chang, H.-J. (2016). Industrial policy in the twenty-first century. Development and Change, 51(2), 324–352.
10. Andreoni, A., & Chang, H. J. (2020). Industrial policy in the 21st century. Development and Change, 51(2), 324–351.
11. Arnold, N. G., Claveres, G., & Frie, J. (2024). Stepping up venture capital to finance innovation in Europe (IMF Working Paper No. 2024/146).
12. Arute, F., Arya, K., Babbush, R., et al. (2019). Quantum supremacy using a programmable superconducting processor. Nature, 574, 505–510.
13. Atik, M., & Jeutner, V. (2021). Quantum technologies and the limits of classical legal doctrine. European Journal of Risk Regulation, 12(4), 1–17.
14. Atladóttir, Á., et al. (2025). National quantum strategies: A comparative analysis (OECD Working Paper).
15. Babina, T., Fedyk, A., He, A., & Hodson, J. (2024). Artificial intelligence, firm growth, and product innovation. Journal of Financial Economics, 151, 103745. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfineco.2023.103745
16. Bateman, J. (2022). US-China technological decoupling: A strategy and policy framework. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
17. Bown, C. P. (2020). How the United States marched the semiconductor industry into its trade war with China (Working Paper 20-16). Peterson Institute for International Economics.
18. Bradford, A. (2020). The Brussels Effect: How the European Union Rules the World. Oxford University Press. Chen, J., et al. (2021). An integrated space-to-ground quantum communication network over 4,600 km. Nature, 589, 214–219.
19. Chiribella, G., et al. (2021). Energy considerations in quantum information processing. PRX Quantum, 2(1), 010313.
20. Chou, C., Manyika, J., & Neven, H. (2025). The race to lead the quantum future. Foreign Affairs, 104(1), 154–167.
21. Costello, J. K., & Kania, E. B. (2018). Quantum hegemony? China’s ambitions and the challenge to U.S. innovation leadership. Center for a New American Security.
22. Degen, C. L., Reinhard, F., & Cappellaro, P. (2017). Quantum sensing. Reviews of Modern Physics, 89(3), 035002.
23. Deutsche Bank Research. (2025). Understanding China’s anti-involution drive.
24. Dietz, B., et al. (2020). Optimization under quantum frameworks. Journal of Applied Physics, 128, 230902.
25. Dimitropoulos, A. (2024). New internationalism and industrial policy. Journal of Economic Policy, 47(2), 233–251.
26. Dowling, J. P., & Milburn, G. J. (2003). Quantum technology: The second quantum revolution. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, 361(1809), 1655–1674.
27. Draghi, M. (2024). The future of European competitiveness. Part A: A competitiveness strategy for Europe. European Commission.
28. Edler, J., Blind, K., Kroll, H., & Schubert, T. (2023). Technology sovereignty as an emerging frame for innovation policy: Defining rationales, ends and means. Research Policy, 52(6), 104765.
29. Erixon, F., Dugo, A., Pandya, D., & du Roy, O. (2025). Benchmarking quantum technology performance: Governments, industry, academia and their role in shaping our technological future (ECIPE Policy Brief No. 06/2025). European Centre for International Political Economy.
30. ETSI. (2015). Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) security framework (ETSI GS QKD 004).
31. European Commission. (2018). Quantum technologies flagship: Strategic report.
32. European Commission. (2021a). Updating the 2020 new industrial strategy: Building a stronger single market for Europe’s recovery (COM(2021) 350 final).
33. European Commission. (2021b). EuroHPC Joint Undertaking.
34. European Commission. (2022). European Chips Act.
35. European Commission. (2023). Strategic foresight report.
36. European Commission. (2024). Quantum technologies flagship: Progress update.
37. European Commission. (2024). White paper: How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs? (COM(2024) 81 final).
38. European Commission. (2025). A competitiveness compass for the EU (COM(2025) 30 final).
39. European Commission. (2025). Future directions for quantum technologies in Europe. European Commission, Joint Research Centre.
40. European Union. (2024). Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (European Critical Raw Materials Act). Official Journal of the European Union.
41. Evans, P. (1995). Embedded autonomy: States and industrial transformation. Princeton University Press.
42. Farrell, H., & Newman, A. L. (2019). Weaponized interdependence: How global economic networks shape state coercion. International Security, 44(1), 42–79. https://doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00351
43. Felicio, M., et al. (2022). Environmental impacts of port operations. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 180, 113763.
44. Forrest, T., Samson, P., Kalash, S. Y., & Murphy, M. P. A. (2025). Quantum technologies and situational awareness: The G7 and beyond. Centre for International Governance Innovation.
45. Fox, M. F. J., Zwickl, B. M., & Lewandowski, H. J. (2020). Preparing for the quantum revolution: What is the role of higher education? Physical Review Physics Education Research, 16(2), 020131.
46. Gao, F. (2025). How the Hefei model works in Chinese county-level economies. Inside China.
47. Gasser, U., De Jong, E., & Kop, M. (2024). A call for responsible quantum technology. Nature Physics, 20(4), 525–527. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02462-8
48. Gibney, E. (2019). The quantum gold rush. Nature, 574, 22–24.
49. Giles, M. (2018). China’s quantum leap. MIT Technology Review.
50. Giles, M. (2019). The US and China are in a quantum arms race that will transform warfare. MIT Technology Review.
51. Greinert, F., & Müller, R. (2024). European competence framework for quantum technologies (CFQT). Publications Office of the European Union.
52. Greinert, F., Müller, R., Goorney, S., et al. (2023). Towards a quantum-ready workforce. Frontiers in Quantum Science and Technology, 2, 1225733.
53. Grieveson, R., et al. (2021). Industrial policy for the digital age (WIIW Research Report).
54. Hasanovic, M., Panayiotou, C. A., Silberman, D. M., Stimers, P., & Merzbacher, C. I. (2022). Quantum technician skills and competencies for the emerging Quantum 2.0 industry. Optical Engineering, 61(8), 081803. https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.61.8.081803
55. Herman, D., Smith, J., & Li, T. (2022). Quantum finance applications. Journal of Financial Innovation, 14(2), 88–104.
56. Howard-Jones, E., & Hölscher, J. (2020). After the Washington Consensus. Cambridge Journal of Economics, 44(4), 689–714.
57. Hughes, C., Finke, D., German, D.-A., et al. (2022). Assessing the needs of the quantum industry. IEEE Transactions on Education, 65(4), 592–601.
58. Humphrey, J., & Schmitz, H. (2002). How does insertion in global value chains affect upgrading? IDS Bulletin, 33(3), 1–12.
59. Ikonen, J., et al. (2017). Energy-efficient superconducting qubit control. npj Quantum Information, 3, 1–8. IQM. (2024). State of quantum report 2024.
60. Jenet, A., et al. (2020). Standards4Quantum. European Commission Joint Research Centre.
61. Jha, A. K., & Shah, S. (2019). Social influence on future review sentiments: An appraisal-theoretic view. Journal of Management Information Systems, 36(2), 610–638.
62. Jong, S., & Slavova, K. (2014). When publications lead to products. Research Policy, 43(4), 645–654.
63. Kania, E. B. (2021). China’s quantum strategy. Center for a New American Security.
64. Kania, E. B. (2021). China’s quest for quantum advantage: Strategic and defense innovation at a new frontier. Journal of Strategic Studies, 44(6), 922–952. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402390.2021.1973658
65. Kania, E., & Costello, J. (2018). Quantum ambitions: China’s drive to dominate. CNA Analysis.
66. Karakaya, E., et al. (2024). Sustainable quantum innovation frameworks. Journal of Cleaner Production, 435, 140827.
67. Kattel, R., et al. (2018). Mission-oriented innovation policy. Industrial and Corporate Change, 27(5), 895–901.
68. Kaur, M., & Venegas-Gomez, A. (2022). Defining the global quantum workforce. Optical Engineering, 61(8), 081806.
69. Kennedy, A. B. (2023). The resilience requirement: Responding to China’s rise as a technology power. Survival, 65(1), 115–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/00396338.2023.2172858
70. Kop, M. (2024). Quantum governance and sovereignty (SSRN Working Paper).
71. Kop, M. (2025a). The nexus of quantum technology, intellectual property and national security. SSRN Electronic Journal.
72. Kop, M. (2025b). Towards a European Quantum Act: A two-pillar framework for regulation and innovation. SSRN Electronic Journal.
73. Kop, M. (2025). Towards a European Quantum Act: A two-pillar framework for regulation and innovation. Columbia Journal of European Law, 31(1).
74. Kop, M., Samokhvalova, D., & Lemley, M. (2022). Intellectual property in quantum computing. Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice, 17(10), 811–820.
75. Krause, J. (2024). The quantum internet: The geopolitics of an emerging technology (Doctoral thesis, University of Kent).
76. Langione, M., et al. (2019). Quantum advantage: What’s coming and when? Boston Consulting Group.
77. Lewis, A. M., Cerutti, I., Scudo, P., et al. (2025). Future directions for quantum technology in Europe: An analysis of policy questions. Publications Office of the European Union.
78. Lewis, A. M., Scudo, P., Cerutti, I., Travagnin, M., Marcantonini, C., Ascheri, A., Nardo, M., Di Girolamo, F. E., Zaurino, E., & Martinez Cillero, M. (2025). Future directions for quantum technology in Europe. European Commission, Joint Research Centre.
79. Liao, S.-K., et al. (2017). Satellite-to-ground quantum key distribution. Nature, 549, 43–47.
80. Lu, C.-Y., et al. (2022). China’s quantum satellite program. Scientific American.
81. Lukens, J. M., et al. (2025). Photonic quantum processors. PRX Quantum, 6, 011004.
82. Masiowski, M., Mohr, N., Soller, H., & Zesko, M. (2022). Quantum computing funding remains strong, but talent gap raises concern. McKinsey Digital.
83. McKinsey & Company. (2025). Quantum technology monitor 2025.
84. Mazzucato, M. (2013). The entrepreneurial state. Anthem Press.
85. Mazzucato, M. (2016). From market fixing to market shaping: A new framework for innovation policy. Industrial and Corporate Change, 25(5), 753–775.
86. Mazzucato, M., et al. (2020). Mission-oriented innovation policy (UCL IIPP Report).
87. Miao, H. (2025). A new challenge for China’s economy: Involution. Wall Street Journal.
88. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Quantum computing: Progress and prospects. National Academies Press.
89. National Quantum Initiative Act. (2018). Public Law 115–368.
90. NIST. (2020). Post-quantum cryptography standardization.
91. OECD-MSTI. (2021). GERD financed by government – US dollars, PPP converted, millions, current prices. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
92. Orús, R., et al. (2019). Quantum computing for finance. Reviews in Physics, 4, 100028.
93. Pan, J.-W. (2019). China’s quantum roadmap. Nature, 576, 29–31.
94. Parker, E., Gonzales, D., Kochhar, A. K., Litterer, S., O’Connor, K., Schmid, J., Scholl, K., Silberglitt, R., Chang, J., Eusebi, C. A., & Harold, S. W. (2022). An assessment of the U.S. and Chinese industrial bases in quantum technology. RAND Corporation. https://doi.org/10.7249/RRA869-1
95. Parker, L., et al. (2022). U.S. Quantum Information Science and Technology strategy (US NSTC Report).
96. Paul, C., Schwille, M., Vasseur, M., Bartels, E. M., & Bauer, R. (2022). The role of information in U.S. concepts for strategic competition. RAND Corporation.
97. Peneder, M. (2017). Competitiveness and industrial policy. Springer.
98. People’s Republic of China. (2021). 14th Five-Year Plan.
99. Perrier, Q. (2024). Responsible quantum governance frameworks. Quantum Journal of Policy, 1(1), 1–22.
100. Preskill, J. (2018). Quantum computing in the NISQ era and beyond. Quantum, 2, 79.
101. Pupillo, L., Ferreira, A., Lipiäinen, V., & Polito, C. (2023). Quantum technologies and cybersecurity. CEPS.
102. Pupillo, L., et al. (2024). Quantum governance challenges (CEPS Task Force Report).
103. Ramya, R., et al. (2025). Quantum networks and cryptography. Franklin Open, 10, 100223.
104. RAND Corporation. (2022). Quantum computing and national security.
105. Righi, C., et al. (2020). Quantum as a general-purpose technology. Journal of Evolutionary Economics, 30(5), 1339–1365.
106. Rodrik, D. (2008). Industrial policy: A reconsideration (Harvard University Working Paper).
107. Rodrik, D. (2014). Green industrial policy. Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 30(3), 469–491.
108. Romaniuk, R. S. (2023). European quantum strategy. IJET, 69(4), 707–718.
109. Root, D. (2025). Responsible quantum innovation. NanoEthics, 19(1), 4–16.
110. Sakhno, I., et al. (2024). Political-economic analysis of the contemporary situation. SIJLCJ, 92, 39–51.
111. Safoev, N., et al. (2023). Quantum innovation risks. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 189, 122352.
112. Seskir, Z., et al. (2022). Ecosystem building for quantum technologies. Quantum Science and Technology, 7(4), 045002.
113. Seskir, Z., et al. (2025). Ethical risks of quantum computing. Ethics and Information Technology, 27(1).
114. Shams, R., et al. (2023). Quantum AI ethics. AI & Society.
115. Stewart, D., Ortiz, G., Kogge, P., Decca, R., & Li, T. (2025). Industry-academia partnership for quantum frontiers. arXiv (arXiv:2503.12345).
116. Taylor, R. (2020). Quantum AI: A precautionary US approach? Telecommunications Policy, 44(8), 101909.
117. Ten Holter, C., et al. (2023). Quantum governance at an inflection point (OECD Policy Paper).
118. The White House. (2022). National Security Strategy—Quantum technologies.
119. The White House. (2025). Winning the race: America’s AI Action Plan.
120. Trippl, M., Sinozic, T., & Smith, H. L. (2024). Strategic regional path development. Regional Studies. United States Congress. (2018). National Quantum Initiative Act (Public Law 115–368).
121. Van Deventer, O., & Spethmann, N. (2022). Towards European standards for quantum technologies. EPJ Quantum Technology, 9(1), 33.
122. van Erp, T., & Gładysz, B. (2022). Quantum technologies in manufacturing systems. Procedia CIRP, 107, 1120–1125. WEF (World Economic Forum). (2021). Quantum computing governance principles.
123. Williamson, J. (1990). What Washington means by policy reform. Peterson Institute.
124. WIPO. (2019). WIPO technology trends 2019: Artificial intelligence. World Intellectual Property Organization.
125. Winkler, T. (1975). Stages of industrial policy evolution. Economic Development Quarterly, 9(3), 233–249.
126. White House, U.S. Government. (2021). Building resilient supply chains, revitalizing American manufacturing, and fostering broad-based growth: 100-day reviews under Executive Order 14017.
127. Xinhua News Agency. (2021). Outline of the People’s Republic of China 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development and Long-Range Objectives for 2035.
128. Ye, K. (2026). Industrial policy for semiconductors in the AI hardware era: Text-based measurement and cross-country evidence. Journal of Computer Technology and Applied Mathematics, 3(1), 45–54.
129. Yin, J., et al. (2020). Entanglement distribution over 1,120 km. Science, 356(6343), 1140–1144.
130. Zafar, A. (2025). Quantum computing in finance. European Journal of Risk Regulation.