IMPEDIMENTS IN GLOBAL QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATION

THE CONTEXT: The global quantum technology landscape has witnessed unprecedented growth, with worldwide investments exceeding $55 billion as of 2024, led by major powers like China, the US ($1.46 billion in 2023), and the EU’s €1 billion Quantum Flagship program. This transformative technology faces critical challenges in international collaboration, particularly in export controls, intellectual property protection, and supply chain constraints, necessitating coordinated global efforts through initiatives like the Quad Quantum Arrangement and US-India iCET.

INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY (QT): Quantum technology (QT) is a class of emerging technologies that harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to create revolutionary applications in computing, communication, sensing, and cryptography. It exploits quantum phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunneling to achieve capabilities far beyond what is possible with classical technologies.

THE CHALLENGES:

• Export Restrictions: They limit the exchange of knowledge, technology, and hardware components essential for advancing this field. Countries like the US aim to maintain a technological edge over rivals such as China, accused of cyber espionage and intellectual property theft. China’s quantum communication advancements and growing patent portfolio are particularly concerning for Western nations.
  • United States: The US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) in September 2024, expanding controls on emerging technologies like quantum computing. The rule applies to quantum computers with 34 or more physical qubits at specific error rates, citing national security concerns.
  • European Union: Member states such as France, Spain, and the Netherlands have implemented similar export controls on QT components.
  • United Kingdom and Canada: These countries align their export control policies with those of the US and the EU to ensure consistency.
  • China: While China is often the target of these restrictions, it also imposes export controls to protect domestic advancements in QT.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Protection: Companies worry about losing proprietary technologies to competitors or foreign entities. Weak protections could discourage private sector participation. Disparate legal systems and enforcement mechanisms complicate global IP protection. Overprotection of IP by first movers (e.g., large corporations) can stifle innovation by smaller firms and startups, limiting their ability to compete globally.
• Supply Chain Constraints: China dominates rare earth production, accounting for 240,000 metric tons in 2023, or nearly 70% of global output. This heavy reliance creates vulnerabilities in the supply chain, especially amid geopolitical tensions. Trade restrictions, export controls, and geopolitical conflicts can disrupt the supply of critical minerals. For example, the temporary halt in Myanmar’s rare earth production in 2022 caused global price spikes.
• Regional Disparities: Developing nations often lack the infrastructure and expertise to contribute meaningfully to the quantum supply chain. For instance, India’s material R&D ecosystem is still nascent despite government initiatives like the National Quantum Mission.
• Limited Production Facilities: Quantum-specific components like SNSPDs and high-quality crystals are produced in limited quantities by specialized firms or research institutions. The lack of large-scale commercial production facilities restricts access and increases costs.

Specialized Components and Materials

Quantum technologies require highly specialized materials and components that are difficult to produce at scale:

• • Superconducting Materials: Superconducting qubit-based quantum computers rely on low-loss materials that preserve quantum coherence for extended periods. These materials are challenging to manufacture with consistent quality.
  • Photon Detectors: Quantum communication systems require superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), produced only in Germany, Japan, and the U.S.
  • Integrated Photonics: Quantum sensors use integrated photonics that demand advanced nonlinear crystals such as KTP (potassium titanyl phosphate) and LiNbO3 (lithium niobate). These are predominantly manufactured in technologically advanced nations like China.
  • Semiconductors: The global shortage of semiconductors has significantly impacted quantum technology development. With Taiwan producing 80% of the world’s integrated circuits, any disruption in this supply chain poses a critical risk.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• • Harmonization of Regulations: Countries should align their export control frameworks to reduce regulatory discrepancies. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security’s (BIS) Interim Final Rule (2024) harmonizes export controls with allied nations, enabling smoother technology transfers.
  • Unified IP Frameworks: Given its multifaceted nature, establishing global IP norms tailored to QT is essential. Initiatives like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can help create sector-specific guidelines. Encouraging open innovation models, such as CERN’s Open Quantum Initiative, can balance IP protection with knowledge sharing.
  • Strengthening Supply Chains: Reduce reliance on China, which currently processes 80-90% of rare earth elements. The Quad Mineral Security Partnership aims to diversify supplies by leveraging resources from Australia, India, and the U.S. Develop alternative materials and recycling technologies, as emphasized by the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act.
  • Investing in Infrastructure: Establish regional hubs for manufacturing quantum components like superconducting materials and photonic detectors. For instance, Germany and Japan are leading producers of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. The U.S.-India iCET initiative includes plans for semiconductor fabrication plants to strengthen downstream supply chains.
  • Encouraging Joint R&D and Publications: Programs like the U.S.-India Science & Technology Endowment Fund (USISTEF) grant joint quantum research projects, such as scalable quantum computers and post-quantum cryptography. The European Union’s Quantum Flagship program (€1 billion budget) demonstrates how pooled resources can drive R&D across borders.
  • Establishing International Organizations and Initiatives: An organization akin to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could oversee quantum technology development, ensuring ethical use and equitable access. UNESCO’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025) offers a platform to establish such frameworks. Collaborations between governments, academia, and industry can pool resources effectively. For instance, IBM and Google are working on quantum computing projects with national labs.

THE CONCLUSION:

The future of quantum technology hinges on fostering international collaboration through harmonized regulations, resilient supply chains, joint R&D initiatives, and robust global frameworks. By overcoming existing barriers, QT can unlock unprecedented opportunities for humanity, driving innovation across sectors and addressing critical global challenges.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to the individual’s privacy in using Al in healthcare? 2023

Q.2 In a globalized world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms – copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. 2014

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 Quantum technology (QT) holds transformative potential across sectors, yet its development faces barriers such as export controls, intellectual property protection, and supply chain constraints. Critically analyze.

SOURCE:

https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/impediments-in-global-quantum-technology-collaboration