Quantum computing is moving from a long-term research priority to a near-term strategic consideration.
While large-scale quantum advantage has yet to be realised, decisions taken today on cybersecurity, skills, investment and ecosystem development will play an important role in shaping future competitiveness and resilience.
Our paper Quantum's inflection point: Policy, capital and capability align examines the global quantum landscape and explores how Ireland and the UK are developing complementary approaches to ecosystem building.
While the UK demonstrates the advantages of scale, research depth and sustained investment, Ireland highlights how targeted strategy, collaboration and foreign direct investment can accelerate capability development in emerging technologies.
Although significant technical challenges remain, quantum computing has potential applications across areas including cybersecurity, financial services, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, logistics and energy.
In the near term, progress is likely to be delivered through hybrid approaches that combine quantum computing with AI, cloud and high-performance computing rather than replacing existing technologies altogether.