Quantum computing: Australia’s next big technology challenge and opportunity

Quantum computing represents a massive $6 billion opportunity for Australia in the coming decades, but policies need to be implemented now to ensure its ethical use in the future.

While much of the civilian world is focused on determining the impact of AI on our lives, at the government and especially defense level, there is an entirely different fixation: electricity quantum math. Quantum computing is nothing new – a two-qubit quantum computer demonstrated the feasibility of the technology in 1998 – however, the stakes are high when it comes to ongoing research in this space and Australia is ready to take the lead in this area.

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Australia’s leadership in quantum could open the door to information exchange with the US

One of the big opportunities for Australia in this space will be its close relationship with the United States. Because of the sheer value of quantum computing research and technology across both military and civilian IP, countries tend to be more cautious about sharing information than with conventional technology.

The downside to this is that it means the United States cannot attract the same global talent pool as before. Talent shortages are not a big problem in conventional computing fields because global talent tends to pool and share information openly. However, it is with quantum computing, and it means that Australia – as a close ally with an established quantum industry – has a real opportunity to capitalize on the interest and US investment.

A prime example of this potential emerged recently, when an Australian physicist and his team built an ultra-precise positioning system that makes it difficult to detect when the satellite GPS network is jammed or not working. . It’s sturdy and portable enough for use outside the lab. As the New York Times reported, the technology could guide military assets, from submarines to spacecraft, for months with minimal risk of directional error and deliver significant improvements. compared to what is currently available.

Of course, quantum computing research goes beyond defense. This technology has implications in every field, from medical research to financial and resource markets. However, its defense applications clearly highlight why the US will closely defend those countries with which it cooperates on research and development, and the fact that Australia has already linked up bodes well. for the domestic research community.

Australia’s epic quantum opportunity

Australia currently holds a 3.6% share of the global venture capital market for quantum technology. The nation’s contributions to the field were already significant: Among other things, Australians created the first integrated circuit computers that operated at the atomic scale. This is a computer that can make the artificial photosynthesis and high temperatures needed to produce drugs and solar cells significantly more efficient.

Elsewhere, Australian researchers have effectively addressed the challenge of the need for quantum computing to operate in extremely cold conditions to operate effectively.

The success and capabilities of Australian researchers in this field led the Australian government to publish its first National Quantum Strategy earlier this year. The strategy aims to place Australia firmly in the leadership ranks of the global quantum industry by 2030, by “encouraging research, application and commercialization”.

SEE: Discover if quantum computing is right for your business.

The government is acutely aware of what failure to invest now could mean for this nascent opportunity.

“As other countries push forward, Australia risks missing out on potential economic benefits,” a University of Sydney report notes. “We could also lose talented workers to countries that are investing more in quantum research.

“Projects like the ambitious effort to build the world’s first complete quantum computer aim to provide local opportunities and funding alongside their top goals. Furthermore, Australia has a responsibility to ensure quantum technologies are developed and used ethically and that their risks are managed.”

According to the National Quantum Strategy, the target is that quantum computing will add $6.1 billion to Australia’s GDP by 2045. This will create 8,700 jobs by 2030, before steadily increasing to 19,400 in 2045. These jobs will require the highest levels of skill and technique. will deliver some of the biggest economic benefits as Australia continues to transition to a high-skills, knowledge-based economy.

Deep ethical questions still need to be answered

Despite its potential to boost Australia’s economy and intellectual property, quantum computing is being heralded as the next big ethical debate in technology – a potential threat that dwarfs what even AI poses today.

Manolo Per, a quantum expert at CSIRO’s Data61 Business Unit, said: “Even the most powerful computers we use today would take thousands of years to break or weaken the mechanism. Encryption keeps our personal data safe online.” “However, experts fear that a quantum computer could take just eight hours to break the code.”

It would be one thing if everyone had access to quantum computers to participate in the “arms race,” but not many people have that. The have-nots will be highly dependent on the “haves,” especially on state actors.

And, as the debate around ethics in AI has proven to be weak, if not a resounding failure, red flags surrounding the lack of ethical consensus regarding regarding quantum computing needs to be clearly stated now. All of this is possible even though we are many years away from quantum computing reaching the potential level where it poses as significant a threat as the above scenario.

Australia wants to attract, retain and train as many quantum computing experts as possible as this will become essential to the health, security and safety of the nation. The first steps embodied in the National Quantum Strategy are an encouraging sign, but as with so much else in Australian politics, the long-term success of that strategy will largely depend on the degree of bipartisanship of the topic.