As part of their work in OpenSuperQPlus Benedict Lane and Pieter Vermaas from TU Delft explore the challenges surrounding access to quantum technologies. Their analysis looks at key issues such as meaningful use, the identification of future users, and the balance between open science and security considerations. Their reflections are part of the broader OpenSuperQPlus effort to better understand the societal implications of quantum computing.
Equal Access to Quantum Computing
As OpenSuperQPlus continues to make significant progress toward building larger and more capable quantum systems, the question of who can access these resources is becoming increasingly important. Decisions taken today will influence how quantum technologies evolve, how they are applied, and how they are perceived by society. Establishing fair and thoughtful access policies early on is therefore critical to ensuring that quantum computing benefits the public.
Access policies play a central role in shaping which quantum computing applications are pursued and who is able to develop them. Given the wide range of possible outcomes, from breakthroughs in drug discovery to more controversial uses like advanced surveillance, controlling access effectively also means guiding how the technology is used. Fair and inclusive access can help prioritise applications that deliver scientific, industrial, and societal value, while limiting harmful or less desirable uses.
Importantly, access decisions also influence which use cases are discovered in the first place. If access is restricted or poorly designed, innovation may become concentrated within well-funded sectors. This can lead to what the World Economic Forum describes as a “two-speed” development, where applications benefiting dominant players advance more quickly than those addressing broader societal needs. For instance, pharmaceutical companies may heavily invest in quantum-enabled drug discovery, while areas such as climate modelling or water resource management receive less attention. Expanding access through initiatives like hackathons or open challenges can help uncover new, socially valuable applications that might otherwise remain overlooked.
Awareness, Talent, and Ecosystem Development
Access is not only about immediate usage; it also shapes long-term capabilities. Inclusive access models can foster greater quantum literacy across society by engaging students, early-career researchers, and non-specialists. Educational initiatives demonstrate how early exposure can build understanding and encourage participation in the field.
At the same time, well-designed access policies can support the development of expertise, reduce skill shortages, and prevent widening gaps in knowledge and opportunity. This is particularly important for Europe, where building a strong and competitive quantum ecosystem depends on both technological progress and the availability of skilled talent.
Large-scale European initiatives such as OpenSuperQPlus highlight the growing importance of quantum computing at the intersection of research and policy. However, to fully realise its potential, the technology must be developed within a framework that is both socially inclusive and secure, ensuring benefits across scientific, industrial, and societal domains.
This article is part 1 of a three-part series. Read the next parts here.
