The UK has the potential to lead the global quantum computing race but is currently trailing behind countries such as Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands in deployment.
A new report from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change titled A New National Purpose: A UK Quantum Strategy for Sovereignty and Scale stresses the need for prompt action to secure Britain’s position in the next technological revolution and to protect its future security.
Once limited to scientific research, quantum technologies are quickly becoming a commercial force. Their applications include navigation without satellites, developing new medicines, and building ultra-powerful computers capable of solving problems in seconds that would otherwise take years.
Tony Blair and Lord Hague warn that countries leading in quantum technology will gain significant economic and geopolitical advantages. Conversely, those falling behind risk becoming dependent on foreign technology, impacting their security and prosperity.
“Quantum represents the next key stage of the technology revolution. Quantum technologies will remove classical bottlenecks and expand the boundaries of possibility, while leaving late movers to the fates of technological dependence.”
— Tony Blair and Lord Hague
Summary: Blair and Hague emphasize that failing to lead in quantum computing risks the UK’s technological sovereignty and global influence.