Policy areas
Focus areas of research and analysis
Education, skills and workforce development
Multiple and diverse factors are influencing quantum technology skills and workforce development across the globe
Challenges and opportunities related to strengthening the quantum technology skills ecosystem
Building a skilled quantum technology workforce is a complex policy challenge. Our research on the topic has identified a range of barriers, potential risks, as well as current enablers and emerging opportunities influencing workforce development efforts. We visualise these components in the following mind map. While not exhaustive, the mind map provides a high-level overview of the key factors related to the challenges and opportunities in strengthening the quantum technology skills ecosystem and workforce, presented in a concise and visual format.
Source: Gunashekar, Salil and Teodora Chis, Navigating skills and talent development for quantum technology: Current insights and future horizons, RAND Corporation, RR-A3889-1, 2025. As of September 15, 2025: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3889-1.html
You can view an alternative layout of the mind map on page 21 in our report.
How did we develop the mind map?
The mind map originally appears in our report, Navigating skills and talent development for quantum technology: Current insights and future horizons, which built on discussions that took place at an in-person roundtable in Copenhagen organised by RAND Europe and the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
The mind map was developed based on insights generated during the roundtable, which was conducted under the Chatham House Rule and brought together participants from academia, industry, government and the third sector. Through a mix of presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions, participants explored barriers, enablers and future strategies for developing quantum technology skills and talent.
The findings (including the mind map) reflect diverse perspectives and aim to inform and inspire further policy debate and contribute to the broader stakeholder discourse on quantum technology skills and talent, as policy on these key issues develops.
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