Foreword, World Economic Forum White Paper: Quantum Technologies: Key Strategies and Opportunities for ICT Leaders, March 2025
How can ICT leaders harness the power of quantum and relevant technologies to drive innovations and maintain a competitive edge in the digital age? By strategically adopting quantum innovations, they can revolutionize their industries and secure a sustainable future.
The World Economic Forum and Accenture have been collaborating on the Application Hub initiative to advance the quantum economy for industries and policy-makers. The information and communication technology (ICT) industry, which is the foundation of multiple industries, is poised to gain immense opportunities from quantum technologies. We are committed to enabling the ecosystem and equipping decision-makers to harness quantum technology and drive innovation and growth.
In an era where technological advancements are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, integrating quantum and quantum-adjacent technologies into the ICT sector has the potential to drive transformative change, as highlighted in Embracing the Quantum Economy: A Pathway for Business Leaders. Furthermore, policy considerations, national initiatives, international guidelines and best practices are key enablers driving adoption of quantum technologies, as noted in Quantum Economy Blueprint. This briefing paper aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for ICT leaders, helping them to strategically harness quantum innovations in computing, sensing, communications and security.
As the world navigates the complexities of the digital and physical landscapes, it is imperative for ICT leaders to deepen their understanding of the risks that quantum technologies introduce and the strategic opportunities they present. They not only promise to revolutionize computational power and data security but also offer unparalleled precision in measurement and detection. By embracing these innovations early, ICT companies and their clients can gain advantages, spearheading future advancements.
This document explores the maturity, learning curve, implementation time and cost, scalability and associated risks of key quantum and relevant technologies. Through use cases, case studies and insights from industry leaders (which are additionally highlighted in the Quantum Application Hub and the Industry Track of the Quantum Economy Network), we highlight the transformative potential of these technologies and provide a clear path for their strategic integration. The frameworks outlined herein will empower the global ICT ecosystem to realize the economic value of quantum and quantum-adjacent technologies, ensuring that companies remain at the forefront of innovation.
We extend our gratitude to the contributors and collaborators who have provided expertise and insights, making this paper a valuable resource for ICT leaders worldwide. Together, we can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by quantum or quantum-relevant technologies, driving a sustainable and competitive future for the ICT sector.
With: Tom Patterson, Managing Director, Cyber Next, Accenture
Image: Unsplash
