The UK government is being urged to take a light touch when regulating quantum technologies, with the Regulatory Horizons Council recommending a “pro-innovation” approach similar to that applied in the artificial intelligence (AI) space.
In a new report, the RHC called for proactive discussions and planning for future regulations to provide certainty and encourage long-term investment in the country's burgeoning quantum computing industry.
A pro-innovation approach, the group said, would attract and retain national and international expertise and foster a competitive national landscape.
The report outlines a number of recommendations, including creating regulatory frameworks for specific applications that are adaptable and proportional to the various stages of development of quantum innovations.
He also called for international collaboration and harmonized standards to increase global market access, and for regulation and responsible innovation practices to be integrated into the development of quantum technologies.
Andrew Griffith, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, said the government welcomed calls for a more moderate regulatory framework.
“I welcome the Regulatory Horizons Council's report and its recommendations to adopt a pro-innovation approach to regulating quantum technology as its use grows in our economy,” he said.
“Quantum holds immense promise, with the potential to revolutionize disease detection, advance quantum computing and ultimately transform our lives and boost the UK economy.”
The recommendations have also been welcomed by industry stakeholders, including techUK.
Sue Daley, the industry body's director of technology and innovation, said discussions about potential regulatory approaches to quantum technologies are crucial while the sector remains at a nascent stage.
“This proactive approach not only provides early regulatory clarity, but also mitigates economic risks, ensuring opportunities for UK quantum businesses are maximized,” Daley said.
UK government sees great promise in quantum computing industry
Along with AI, quantum technology is an area that the government wants to exploit in the coming years.
George Freeman, Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), recently described quantum computing as “one of five transformative technologies in which the UK is a world leader”.
The government's National Quantum Strategy aims to promote the development of quantum technologies for commercial use, backed by £2.5 billion in funding over 10 years from 2024.
In late 2023, the government also announced more than £14 million in funding to further boost support for quantum technologies, including the launch of a UK quantum standards pilot network and £10.6 million in funding for accelerate the development of components and systems for quantum networks. technologies.
Jonathan Legh-Smith, chief executive of UKQuantum, said the recommendations for a pro-innovation approach to quantum technologies will encourage long-term investment and support industry growth.
“As we have learned from AI, it is essential that we participate early in the development of regulatory frameworks that assure the public and businesses that the inevitable innovation offered by quantum technologies will have the positive change that we anticipate and intend.” he said.
“This does not have to be at the expense of stifling the innovation we seek to enable. The recommendations contained in this report, which focus on the application of quantum technology rather than the technologies themselves, and promote the principles of innovation responsible, clearly position the UK as the leader in pro-innovation regulation for quantum technology.”
