Quantum Computing Governance Principles

The World Economic Forum presents a framework of Quantum Computing Governance Principles designed to pre-empt risks and maximize benefits while the technology is still in its development phase. The framework is built upon seven core values—common good, accountability, inclusiveness, equitability, non-maleficence, accessibility, and transparency—and is organized into nine thematic areas. These themes address transformative capabilities, hardware access, open innovation, public awareness, workforce development, cybersecurity, privacy, standardization, and sustainability. The report emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary collaboration and proactive governance to prevent monopolies, mitigate cybersecurity threats (such as the breaking of public-key encryption), and ensure that the technology's benefits are equitably distributed globally.

• The report argues that the current stage of quantum computing development is the ideal time for governance intervention to avoid the retroactive mistakes seen with AI and biotechnology.
• Quantum computing is expected to have a transformational impact on three primary types of computational problems: the simulation and modelling of natural quantum systems, the search for optimal solutions, and algebraic problems such as factorization.
• There is a significant risk of monopolization of quantum computing due to the high costs and technical expertise required, which could widen global socioeconomic gaps and create geopolitical power imbalances.
• The transition to a quantum-secure digital world is urgent because quantum computers could break currently deployed public-key encryption schemes and compromise digital signatures.
• The report identifies a risk of a 'quantum winter'—a period of restricted funding and slowed progress—if public expectations are driven by hype rather than scientific fact, leading to a perception of under-delivery.
• To ensure a quantum-ready workforce, the report recommends interdisciplinary STEM education and the creation of national quantum education programmes that include secondary-school curricula.
• Quantum computing offers potential benefits for global sustainability, including more reliable climate modelling and the discovery of materials for carbon capture.
• The framework suggests that governments should incentivize long-term investment and provide public access to hardware, such as via cloud access, to prevent the technology from being restricted to a few actors.

APA

World Economic Forum (2022). Quantum Computing Governance Principles. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Quantum_Computing_2022.pdf

Chicago

World Economic Forum. Quantum Computing Governance Principles. 2022. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Quantum_Computing_2022.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Economic Forum |title=Quantum Computing Governance Principles |date=January 2022 |url=https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Quantum_Computing_2022.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldeconomicforum2022quantum, author = {{World Economic Forum}}, title = {{Quantum Computing Governance Principles}}, institution = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2022}, month = jan, url = {https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Quantum_Computing_2022.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }