Quantum: 12.9% of technology signals are already at operational level

The JRC’s Outlook Report on Quantum Technologiespublished today, analysed 195 quantum technology foresight signals that were detected across the scientific literature.

Foresight signals are observable changes that hint at a larger shift that could grow into a trend, identified by text and data mining.

The report found that nearly half of the quantum technology signals are only at the proof-of-concept stage, almost a third have reached system-demonstration level, while 12.9% are already operational.

For example, quantum random number generators are already used commercially, whereas the use of quantum computers for climate forecasting is still at the experimental stage.

Quantum technologies are based on the behaviour of matter at subatomic level. They could lead to new types of computers with capabilities to tackle problems that current computers would take millions of years to solve, unbreakable cryptography, and possible applications across many sectors.

As there will be no single quantum tipping point, preparation and policies should take different approaches for early-stage pilots, interim test beds, and full commercial roll-out.

The authors warn against waiting for full commercial maturity before taking action. Future technological dependencies are shaped before technologies become fully mature.

To maintain Europe’s strong presence in quantumnot only researchers and technology developers, but also industry, public authorities and future user sectors should already invest in quantum literacy, shared infrastructure, industrial capacity, common standards, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, they advise.

Quantum has potential in a broad range of fields

The rewards to be reaped from using quantum technologies can be substantial, and they are not just restricted to the field of quantum computing or secure communications, as sometimes assumed. The report has identified quantum technology potential in twelve thematic areas – as diverse as cybersecurity, climate science, nuclear safety, or social science.

Studies cited in the report show tangible benefits from quantum application. In Thailand, quantum computing was tested on real-time location and travel data from around 130,000 taxis and trucks. In a subsequent route-optimisation test, mileage and driving time were reduced by nearly 10%. A quantum compression technique shrank Earth-observation image files by 75%, with little loss of quality. Quantum magnetometers can almost match satellite GPS for positioning accuracy and outperform the backup inertial navigation systems by about a hundredfold.

Potential gains from quantum technology include new forms of neurodiagnostics, cardiac sensing, molecular imaging in healthcare; quantum optimisation that can eventually improve electricity, gas and district-heating network management; quantum key distribution and future quantum networks can protect selected high-value links in cybersecurity; and many other promising applications.

The authors do not regard artificial intelligence and quantum as rivals either, rather as complementary technologies, with both benefitting from each other. For instance, quantum algorithms could accelerate AI machine-learning and optimisation.

Most fields will be users, not builders

Most fields will use quantum technologies and not build them, the report points out. However, it is not required to invent these technologies to be able to benefit from them.

Quantum technologies will be built by a relatively small industrial base — concentrated in computing, communications and space/defence. Most sectors, from health and energy to transport and finance, are expected to engage with quantum as application developers and lead users, co-creating use cases on top of these enabling technologies rather than waiting for finished products.

The strategic value lies not merely in better sensors or faster computers — it is a new capability across virtually every discipline.

Europe will therefore need users that are capable of identifying, evaluating and integrating quantum solutions into real applications. The preparation to use these technologies must begin before the tools are fully mature, the authors recommend.

Sovereignty and strategic autonomy

As quantum technologies mature, Europe’s competitiveness will increasingly depend on its capacity to understand, test, benchmark, validate, certify and integrate them, the report concludes.

This applies especially to domains such as defence, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, law enforcement and economic security, where sovereignty and strategic autonomy are at stake.

The EU has a strong position in the quantum ecosystem, hosting almost a third of the world’s quantum technology companies. Turning this strong scientific and entrepreneurial base into lasting industrial and technological capacity provides a timely illustration of what a stronger and more independent Europe means in practice.

Background

The Outlook Report on Quantum Technologies was produced by a cross-directorate team of scientists spanning all eight JRC scientific directorates. The working group operated under two overarching principles: a bottom-up, use-case approach anchored in the real needs of each scientific domain; and a science-for-policy lens that places European public policy at the centre.

European Commission action on quantum

The European Commission’s Quantum Strategyadopted in 2025, aims to turn Europe into a quantum powerhouse by fostering a resilient, sovereign quantum ecosystem, that fuels startup growth and transforms breakthrough science into market-ready applications, while maintaining its scientific leadership.

In 2019, EU Member States agreed to develop the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI)which will be composed of a terrestrial segment relying on fibre communications networks linking strategic sites at national and cross-border level, and a space segment based on satellites.

As part of the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU)the Commission is also involved in building state-of-the-art pilot quantum computers. The first EuroHPC acquired quantum computer has been inaugurated in Poznan (Poland) in June 2025. In September 2025, EuroHPC inaugurated its second quantum computer ‘VLQ’, in Ostrava, Czechia.

An EU Quantum Act is planned for 2026.