Learning From Emerging Technology Governance for Guiding Quantum Technology

Abstract

Quantum technology is often described as the “next big thing.”  But the past few decades have brought us a series of next big things in technology, and we have accumulated enough experience now to start to extract some lessons and recommendations from our recent history of technology governance.  That is what this article seeks to do.  It first explains what quantum governance is and why people expect it to be such a big deal.  The article then describes the existing. Limited regulations in place for quantum technologies, and then discusses some of the key governance challenges that quantum is expected to present.  It then provides three case studies of other recent “next big thing” emerging technologies – biotechnology, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence.  While each technology presents unique governance issues and challenges, the case studies extract a total of 15 lessons that may be relevant for quantum governance.  The article next examines seven types of governance frameworks that have been proposed of emerging technologies by leading international and national organizations, with each type of framework providing a different emphasis, that focus on governance that is anticipatory, agile/adaptive, equitable, sustainable, soft law, coordinated and international.  Finally, drawing from three technology case studies and the seven types of governance frameworks, the article identifies and discusses eight governance pillars that are common to each emerging technology and which collectively provide the foundation for effective governance, and project how these eight pillars will apply to quantum technology.  These analyses provide a comprehensive roadmap, lessons and recommendations for the coming challenges of quantum technology governance.  

Keywords: Quantum, technology governance, biotechnology, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, soft law