Congress must collectively champion quantum information science and technology

Progress in critical and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and quantum information science and technology (QIST) are essential to the U.S. innovation ecosystem. Quantum computing, in particular, symbolizes a key challenge and opportunity. Constructing an operational quantum computer ranks as one of the biggest tasks for science and technology and represents the next step in computing advancement. Sensing, communications, and computing all provide a unique opportunity for QIST. Yet, there exist obstacles to yielding maximum benefit — increasing scale and improving reliability reproducibility, and deployability in the real world still lie out of reach.

Recent legislation, however, does not prioritize emerging technologies equally — a focus on AI threatens to divert finite resources away from QIST-related activities. AI and quantum may compete for finite resources, particularly in terms of facilities for manufacturing chips. The AI wave could also absorb the majority of talent and resources for the next decade, which are now desperately needed. As generative AI dominates headlines, the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQI) faces expiration and is further complicated by political turmoil and uncertain government funding. Congress must reaffirm the U.S. commitment to QIST and acknowledge its critical importance to U.S. competitiveness and national security as well. 

The CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS) seeded an important foundation for a new era of U.S. QIST. Since the NQI was enacted in December 2018, CHIPS boosted previous efforts with an infusion of resources for quantum computing through federal agencies including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Institute for Standards and Technology. For example, DOE established an Advanced Computing program for foundational research, and NSF funded a Federal Cyber-Scholarship-for-Service Program for students pursuing QIS-related degrees. 

Quantum computing holds immense potential to surpass the limits of classical computing. Unlike the linear growth in performance achieved through classical systems, quantum computers’ power expands exponentially with additional qubits. Experts have demonstrated its applicability across various fields, such as machine learning and cryptography. Often referred to as “solving the problem of problem-solving itself,” this transformative domain has the potential to redefine the tech landscape. Although both classical and quantum computing exhibit their own merits and limitations, undoubtedly quantum is indispensable to our future. 

QIST, like AI, has become increasingly entwined with geopolitics. China’s QIST investments account for half of the global total, thus intensifying the competition between the United States and China in areas like intellectual property and tech transfer. The Chinese Communist Party’s potential breakthrough in fault-tolerant quantum computing would revolutionize the field of encryption, granting them unparalleled capabilities to decipher encrypted information. Public disclosures primarily showcase conceptual proof for scientific purposes, but it implies that China may hold an edge over the U.S. and the West. 

On the other hand, these threats demand fortified defenses. Quantum advancements could establish an impenetrable internet channel and significantly enhance the U.S.’s encryption-breaking techniques. Post-quantum protection must become a priority for U.S. institutions such as banks, telecommunications companies and government agencies. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency demonstrates leadership in this arena. Ultimately, all nations aim to enhance their quantum capabilities to thwart adversaries from achieving dominance and competitive advantage. 

The looming potential loss in pursuit of quantum computing compelled the Biden administration to issue quantum-related directives. The White House assumed direct authority over the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee, and it mandated government agencies spotlight quantum computing while simultaneously addressing prospective security risks posed by this technology on cryptographic systems. 

Recent developments bring us to this inflection point. The Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act was signed into law in December of 2022, and similar initiatives are vital. An approach to QIST, similar to methods implemented by NSF’s Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, may be warranted to maximize the societal benefits of this technology. What role should the government play in QIST and how should it invest and prioritize QIST going forward? 

This moment provides timely opportunity to elevate U.S. QIST to the next stage. Much of our current scientific understanding is drawn from decades of experimental research in fundamental physics. A new generation of research endeavors must be more applied. Programming should expand to incorporate collaboration with end users, fund use-inspired engineering, and design with practical application in mind. It must bridge the gap between showing potential and solving real-world problems. Quantum doesn’t necessarily need an “AI moment,” but it certainly deserves our attention. 

The 118th Congress can solidify sustained U.S. federal investment and follow-through in QIST R&D. To ensure QIST’s success, Congress must reauthorize and expand R&D activities under the NQI Act, while also addressing national security, workforce and supply chain concerns. Historically key to legislative efforts associated with AI, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology may be signaling interest in QIST just as the Senate emphasizes AI as their current priority. While the U.S. stands at the precipice of groundbreaking technological advancements, it is crucial for Congress to collectively champion the cause of QIST, ultimately shaping a future defined by innovation, security and global competitiveness. 

Joseph B. Keller, PhD., is a cognitive scientist and visiting fellow in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution.