How can quantum technology drive societal and systems resilience?

With recent engineering capabilities allowing us to harness more and more of the potential of quantum mechanics, quantum technologies are undergoing a pivotal moment of growth with the development of new quantum applications in many different fields. These applications will be of great benefit and provide enhanced resilience in sectors as diverse as communications, health, defence, energy and transportation. Investment in quantum technology is therefore moving apace in most major economies in the race for technological innovation.
 
The benefits of quantum technologies for improved societal resilience and security are not yet fully recognised by policy makers, and there is a need for greater understanding on their added value for societies at large, and for the UK in particular. This is crucial so that the right cross-governmental interventions can be made to accelerate the adoption of quantum applications at an early stage, in order to position the UK industry in the global market and ensure the best possible delivery. 
 
This meeting aims to raise awareness on the benefits of quantum technologies for the UK, and to provide a starting point for thinking about what type of cross-governmental interventions may be needed to drive the design, development and full implementation of quantum applications. This will need to be made in such a way that the complex system of systems that make up our critical national infrastructure are poised to take full advantage of these new capabilities.