Policy areas
Focus areas of research and analysis
Education, skills and workforce development
Key policy questions
- What is the current state of quantum technology skills supply and demand across the globe?
- What measures can be taken to address a potential skills gap in quantum technology and ensure a robust talent pipeline to meet industry demand?
- Who are the people that the quantum technology ecosystem needs to develop and scale, and what education and skills do they need?
- How are different actors globally tackling the workforce development challenge?
- How can public and private sectors align their efforts to create sustainable career pathways and job opportunities in quantum technology?
- What strategies are required to build a resilient, diverse and future-ready quantum workforce?
It is widely recognised that skills, talent and competencies are crucial to advancing economies in general; however, they are particularly vital to constructing resilient workforces and maintaining progress in advanced technology domains like quantum technology. Alongside other structural factors such as funding, infrastructure, collaboration and oversight, skills development can be considered one of the essential enablers of the broader quantum technology ecosystem
Quantum technology is facing a possible skills gap, which has been recognised by a range of stakeholders, including several governments across the world. Although understanding the dynamic of skills demand and supply is a complex task that is determined by a range of drivers, indicators such as publication and commercial activities can enhance our strategic awareness.
We also find that, as quantum technology evolves towards applications development and scaling, its ecosystem becomes increasingly heterogeneous, requiring different stakeholders to draw from a more diverse range of disciplines and areas of expertise. Our recent report on the topic highlights the diversity of these needs, and builds on ongoing efforts to classify the skills and competencies required across the quantum ecosystem through a competency framework approach.
Stakeholders are taking different approaches to address this. Universities worldwide are expanding quantum-related degree programmes and research opportunities. Other actors, including governments, industry, the third sector, and grassroots groups, are supplementing the traditional educational pathways with initiatives that target different learning levels across the education and skills development journey.
Our analysis to date suggests that addressing quantum technology skills and workforce development challenges necessitates coordination, community building and common standards. We summarise the various policy considerations in our 8-point plan to help build a resilient, equitable and future-ready quantum skills pipeline and workforce.
Some of these key high-level trends related to the development of skills and talent in quantum technology are summarised in the following infographic.
Key trends related to the development of skills and talent in quantum technology
The global quantum technology ecosystem is evolving to become increasingly heterogeneous, encompassing a range of expertise and disciplines.
There are key challenges concerning the availability, types and distribution of skills pertinent to advancing the quantum technology ecosystem.
Universities worldwide are expanding quantum-related degree programmes and research opportunities, while industry players are also increasingly developing educational content and tools, collectively enhancing quantum literacy and workforce readiness.
The development of a robust, sustainable quantum technology talent pipeline will require adopting a patient, long-term approach that targets different learning levels across the education and skills development journey.
Addressing the quantum technology workforce development challenge necessitates coordination, community building and common standards.
Explore our growing data and analysis on quantum technology education, skills and workforce development:
To explore our data and analysis in other policy areas, check out our overview page.
We value collaboration and engagement with stakeholders across the quantum technology ecosystem. Reach out to us for enquiries, partnerships, or to learn more about us and what we can offer. To begin a conversation, send an email to qtops@randeurope.org.