Many countries are seeking to be amongst the leaders in developing and utilizing quantum technology to benefit the lives of their citizens. And the United Kingdom is no exception. Recently, Labour Tech and the YIMBY Initiative published a report including contributions from 11 quantum experts, including GQI’s own Dr. Joe Spencer that outlines an urgent, mission-led strategy to secure the UK’s global leadership in quantum technologies. It emphasizes that quantum computing is no longer speculative science but a geopolitical, economic, and security imperative. The UK, despite its strong academic foundations and early investments, is at risk of becoming a “research lab for technologies scaled elsewhere” unless bold, coordinated action is taken. A summary of some of the key points made in the document are listed below and the full report can be accessed at Fund or Fade: Powering a Sovereign Quantum Britain.
Core Thesis
Quantum technology is set to revolutionize critical sectors—healthcare, defence, logistics, finance, creative industries, and cybersecurity. The UK has a strong research base, but a fragmented industrial strategy, underdeveloped infrastructure, and lack of sovereign control threaten its ability to capitalize on this next industrial revolution.
Five Strategic Imperatives for the UK
- Sovereign Capability & Strategic Investment
Quantum should be treated as a national strategic asset. Proposals include £1bn/year by 2027 in infrastructure and a £2bn Quantum Growth Fund to anchor UK IP and firms. - Industrial Capacity & Ecosystem Support
Emphasize domestic supply chains, national infrastructure, and regional testbeds—especially beyond the “Golden Triangle” of Oxford, Cambridge, and London. - Talent Pipeline Reform
Broaden the quantum talent pool via PhDs, apprenticeships, and interdisciplinary education. Visa reform and workforce diversity are essential to maintain UK competitiveness. - Stimulate Demand through Public Procurement
Government agencies (e.g. NHS, MoD, GCHQ) must act as first customers to de-risk innovation and scale commercial adoption. - Global Standards & Trust Frameworks
Position the UK as a leader in shaping global norms, certification, and exportable quantum standards that are interoperable with allies.
Policy Themes & Case Studies
- Economic Potential: Quantum could add £212bn to the UK economy by 2045 and increase productivity by up to 8%.
- Global Race: China, the U.S., Germany, and South Korea are scaling fast with multi-billion-dollar programmes. The UK risks falling behind without urgent capital mobilization.
- National Security: Quantum presents threats (e.g. to current encryption) and opportunities (e.g. secure communications, military simulation). A dedicated Quantum Defence Office is proposed.
- Creative & Cultural Sector: Quantum’s potential in music, copyright, and creative tools is outlined as an export opportunity—urging the UK to combine science and culture as competitive assets.
Key Recommendations
- Infrastructure Investment: £500m for fabrication, cryogenics, and cleanrooms.
- Talent Visas: Fast-track residency for global quantum experts.
- Sovereign Cloud & Data Centres: Secure national infrastructure for sensitive quantum applications.
- PhD Reform: Broaden access beyond a few elite Centres for Doctoral Training to diversify and scale expertise.
- Defence-Focused Projects: Quantum-enhanced drones, battlefield simulation, and cryptography aligned with national security priorities.
Conclusion of the Report
Britain faces a choice: Fund or Fade. The quantum race is underway, and leadership will be won by countries that match their scientific brilliance with strategic clarity, bold investment, and sovereign control. This document calls on the next UK government to take immediate action to secure a future where Britain not only participates in but leads the global quantum economy.
The full report is available here. Also, GQI published a Focus Report on Quantum Tech in the UK. To learn how you can obtain it, click here.
June 4, 2025
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