The government has said it is committed to staying at the forefront of new technology and is building on the £2.5 billion ten-year National Quantum Strategy announced earlier this year by publishing an ambitious set of quantum missions, including a mission to have accessible, UK-based quantum computers capable of running 1 trillion operations by 2035. Other missions focus on quantum networks, medical applications, navigation, and sensors for infrastructure.
Rashik Parmar MBE, Chief Executive of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT responded to the statement saying: “Creating the UK’s own quantum computing infrastructure is key to our future on the world stage. To get those productivity gains, quantum computing needs to be embedded across businesses and driven forward by many more highly skilled computing graduates and apprentices.
“We need to teach quantum principles in schools and we need a new undergraduate degree for people who want to specialise in quantum computing. We also need quantum apprenticeships and retraining routes that focus on its application and implementation without the need for post-graduate degrees in mathematics and physics.
“Just like with AI, it’s critical the UK doesn’t get left behind in this revolution in computing power. Otherwise our national security, research reputation and global competitiveness will all suffer.
“Policy makers should see quantum computing as an essential part of the computing profession and expect its specialists to follow clear standards of ethics, inclusivity and accountability – that way we can bring the public with us on the journey.”
