Quantum computing is seen as a strategic technology by the world’s leading economies. This fundamentally new way of computing – it is not just a stronger classical computer – has the potential to dramatically recast our ability to tackle climate change, hunger and disease. For many, its potential to render common cryptographic technologies obsolete, its economic potential and its impact on global digital economy make it geopolitically strategic.

Today, however, the combination of uncertainties that come with an emerging technology and a rapidly moving but fragmented landscape make it difficult for decision-makers across the private and public sectors to maintain awareness, build understanding or know when and how to act.

This report aims to give a holistic and neutral overview of the current state of play in quantum computing – the technology, its applications, the state of the emerging industry and key components of a successful quantum ecosystem. It aims to provide an accessible baseline of information for business executives and policy-makers worldwide, to support informed opinion and fact-based decision-making. The report seeks to avoid both over-excited hype and the downplaying of the potential impact of quantum computing.