Quantum mechanics is a fascinating topic that is complex and broad in its applications and potential but can be tricky to actualise. Quantum, in essence, is just another technology that we are continuing to see potential in across sectors such as defence, transport and telecommunications.

To make sense of the issues that the technology presents, DSTL, QinetiQ, the IET, and other leading experts in quantum technology, have published a new report outlining the direction we might take to properly apply this technology from a systems perspective.

Realising technology through quantum

The knowledge that underpins quantum technology has been built up over the last century. The discovery of quantum mechanics in the 1920s was a real shift in the scientific understanding of the universe; now it promises something similar on the technological front.

The distinction between quantum and ‘classical’ technology is that we are talking about technologies that explicitly use quantum properties, where we are generating quantum states.

Possibilities

Quantum technology offers a level of accuracy and security that other technologies cannot provide.

The report takes a look at some of the benefits this new technology can bring to our society and economy.

Quantum technology promises a wide range of applications in fields such as computing, sensing, communications and position navigation and timing (PNT). Some sectors are trailblazing this such as healthcare, defence, and navigation, or in improving solar panels and batteries, which can help in reducing energy consumption in large-scale settings such as data centres.

This novel technology is still in its infancy but is moving from the laboratories theory and experiment into the realm of practical reality. Recently, DSTL announced the development of an atomic clock that is so precise it will lose less than one second over billions of years. This has real-life applications, as the military can use this technology to improve intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance by decreasing the reliance on GPS technology.

McKinsey cites research from 2023 pointing to a global quantum computing market worth $40 billion in the next 15 years. The wider quantum technology market could be worth $106 billion in that period, with quantum sensing, timing, imaging, and communications each worth between $1 billion and $7 billion by 2040. Clearly, there are potentially massive benefits, both for humanity as well as for the economy. To be able to access these benefits, the UK needs to take certain steps to achieve this. The report recommends improving quantum literacy in industry amongst other measures, in order for businesses to further understand what opportunities the technology presents.

Challenges

Quantum technology has a lot of potential and opportunities, but it also presents very real challenges. Due to the nature of quantum mechanics, it can challenge the conventional systems engineering model. However, this provides an opportunity to develop mechanisms for quantum to be integrated into these more traditional systems.

Overcoming the challenges

The good news is that the UK is well placed to take advantage of the development of quantum technology; with its strong background in systems engineering, combined with being a global leader in developing quantum technology and with the second largest pool of quantum start-ups.

The UK is in a unique place as its strength in bringing quantum and systems engineering together will make it stand out globally in the future. Systems engineering is critical to ensure new technologies integrate seamlessly into the existing environment, whether physical or digital, without unforeseen effects. This is particularly the case for quantum as opposed to other technologies, as it can have non-local effects. Systems engineering can mitigate this through effective planning and strategies such as compartmentalisation to help contain the quantum effects from the wider system. This would aid validation and regulation and help to address some of the challenges.

The recommendations from the report offer ways to anticipate and mitigate challenges whilst maximising innovation in this space. These include upskilling the workforce to deal with quantum technology specifically, extending systems engineering methodologies into the quantum technology field, introducing better regulation and improving quantum literacy.

This report is written at a pivotal time for the UK as we develop a new Industrial Strategy and seek to cultivate a thriving and prosperous innovation sector. We look forward to using our expertise and those we have collaborated with to shape this agenda.

What do you think?

What are the potential solutions to the challenges highlighted in the report?