About us
What is QTOPS?
We are an international policy research hub and forum dedicated to discovering, analysing and sharing quantum technology trends and data with the wider community. Through evidence-based insights and thought leadership, we aim to help stakeholders better understand the quantum technology policy landscape, foster its responsible development and governance, and tackle its broader implications for society and policymaking.
We disseminate our findings through a variety of outputs, including reports, commentaries, briefings, interactive data visualisations and evidence submissions. We also host ongoing webinars, workshops and roundtables to contribute a non-partisan, objective perspective to broader community dialogue, debate and education efforts throughout the quantum technology community. In addition, we engage with stakeholders from government, supranational organisations, academia, civil society, and both the public and private sectors to share practical insights.
Our mission
Quantum technology is recognised as a critical technology globally, attracting substantial attention from industry, academia, governments and civil society. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the development of quantum mechanics, the United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the technology’s capabilities, with cutting-edge research and development starting to yield practical solutions that could positively impact people’s lives. This progress highlights the technology’s potential for notable applications in areas such as life sciences, finance, aerospace, defence, energy, and telecommunications. Across various countries and regions, strategies are being developed, and public, private and third-sector stakeholders are actively exploring ways to drive the growth of quantum technology.
Despite progress, a lack of coordinated overview and actionable insights can make it difficult for decisionmakers, including policymakers, to fully capitalise on the benefits of quantum technology for society and the economy while mitigating its risks. This gap also creates obstacles for stakeholders in identifying opportunities and addressing broader ecosystem challenges related to skills and workforce development, funding and investment, supply chain resilience, international cooperation and alignment, dual-use capabilities, and governance uncertainties. The complexity, uncertainty and potential risks associated with the technology – for example, concerning the security of encrypted information in the future – demands proactive and informed policy responses.
RAND Europe’s Quantum Technology Observatory for Policy and Society (QTOPS) aims to address these challenges by combining data-driven analysis and expert analyst insights. QTOPS offers a comprehensive perspective on a range of quantum technology trends, as well as emerging ecosystem challenges, opportunities and uncertainties. We seek to empower stakeholders to make informed choices, strengthen cooperation across the quantum technology ecosystem, and craft strategies and impact-focused insights that support the growth of quantum technology for societal and economic benefit. Simply put, we aim to ensure that evidence is at the heart of decision making for the benefit of the quantum technology community.
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Our values
We leverage our topical [SG7] and methodological [SG8] expertise to support the quantum technology community. We take an interdisciplinary approach to our research, bringing together policy expertise, data science, qualitative research and other futures-focussed methods. By combining our expertise with that of our partners, we serve as a trusted resource and leading authority on quantum technology’s impacts and policy considerations. Inspired by RAND Europe’s organisational values, our commitment to making a difference, and building on our strong foundations of conducting high quality and objective research and analysis, QTOPS is underpinned by five guiding principles that anchor and inform all our research activities.
Find out more about the core team[SG9] members involved in the Observatory, RAND Europe and wider emerging technology policy research conducted at RAND Europe.
Our current areas of focus
Our research on quantum technology and its potential impacts is both proactive and focused, aiming to answer key questions relevant to policymakers and government representatives, business and industry leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and society at large. For the initial pilot phase of the work, QTOPS is focussing on research and analysis related to quantum technology education, skills and workforce development, which have been widely recognised as critical issues that are poised to impact the trajectory of this rapidly advancing technology. Over time, we will expand our efforts to explore and analyse a broader range of topics that include research and innovation leadership; governance, ethics and responsible innovation; applications, commercialisation and societal impact; security and risks; global cooperation; and infrastructure, access and supply chains. Please take a look at the data and analyses [SG10] we are generating on these policy areas.
We provide a wide array of services [SG11] designed to address diverse research questions. Feel free to contact us [SG12] at qtops@randeurope.org if you believe we can assist with your quantum technology policy research and analytical needs, or if you just like to have a conversation about quantum technology.
