Advances in critical and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and quantum information science and technology (QIST) are essential to the U.S. innovation ecosystem. Quantum computing in particular represents significant challenges and opportunities. Building a practical quantum computer is one of the greatest challenges for science and technology and represents the next step in the advancement of computing. Sensing, communications, and computing all provide unique opportunities for QIST. However, there are obstacles to achieving maximum benefits. Increased scale, improved reproducibility of reliability, and real-world deployment possibilities remain out of reach.
However, recent legislation does not give equal priority to emerging technologies. A focus on AI risks diverting limited resources from his QIST-related activities. AI and quantum may compete for finite resources, especially in terms of chip manufacturing equipment. The AI wave could also absorb much of the talent and resources that are sorely needed today over the next decade. As generative AI dominates the headlines, the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQI) faces an expiration, further complicated by political turmoil and uncertain government funding. Congress must reaffirm America’s commitment to QIST and recognize its critical importance to America’s competitiveness and national security.
CHIPS and the Science Act (CHIPS) planted the seeds of an important foundation for a new era of U.S. QIST. Since the enactment of the NQI in December 2018, CHIPS has been working to infuse resources for quantum computing through federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. , we have strengthened our efforts to date. For example, the DOE established the Advanced Computing Program for Basic Research, and the NSF funded the Federal Cyber Scholarship Program for students pursuing QIS-related degrees.
Quantum computing has great potential to go beyond the limits of classical computing. Unlike the linear growth in performance achieved by classical systems, the power of quantum computers expands exponentially with the addition of qubits. Experts have demonstrated its applicability across a variety of fields, including machine learning and cryptography. This transformative field, often described as “solving problems for themselves,” has the potential to redefine the world of technology. While classical and quantum computing each have their own benefits and limitations, there is no doubt that quantum is essential to our future.
QIST, like AI, is increasingly intertwined with geopolitics. China’s QIST investment accounts for half of the global total, and competition between the US and China is intensifying in areas such as intellectual property and technology transfer. The Chinese Communist Party’s potential breakthrough in fault-tolerant quantum computing will revolutionize the field of cryptography and give the Chinese Communist Party unparalleled ability to decrypt encrypted information. Although the disclosure primarily presents conceptual evidence for scientific purposes, it implies that China may have an advantage over the United States and the West.
However, these threats require enhanced protection. Quantum advances could establish impenetrable Internet channels and greatly enhance America’s code-breaking technology. Post-quantum protection must become a priority for U.S. institutions such as banks, telecommunications companies, and government agencies. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is providing leadership in this area. Ultimately, all countries aim to enhance their quantum capabilities to prevent adversaries from gaining advantage and competitive advantage.
The potential losses looming in the pursuit of quantum computing have forced the Biden administration to issue quantum-related directives. The White House has assumed direct authority over the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Board, directing the agency to focus on quantum computing while addressing the anticipated security risks the technology poses to cryptographic systems.
Recent developments have brought us to this tipping point. The Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Readiness Act was signed into law in December 2022, and similar efforts are essential. An approach to QIST, similar to that implemented by NSF’s Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships, may be justified to maximize the societal benefits of this technology. What role should the government play in her QIST and how should it invest and prioritize QIST in the future?
This moment is a timely opportunity to take US QIST to the next stage. Much of our current scientific understanding comes from decades of experimental research in fundamental physics. New generation research efforts need to be further applied. Programming must expand to include collaboration with end users, engineering with the use of funds in mind, and designing with practical applications in mind. We need to bridge the gap between demonstrating what’s possible and solving real-world problems. Quantum doesn’t necessarily need an “AI moment,” but it certainly deserves attention.
The 118th Congress can strengthen the U.S. federal government’s sustained investment and follow-through on QIST research and development. To ensure QIST’s success, Congress must reauthorize and expand research and development activities under the NQI Act, while also addressing national security, workforce, and supply chain concerns. The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, which has historically been key to legislative efforts related to AI, has expressed interest in QIST just as the Senate has highlighted AI as a current priority. There is a possibility that As the United States stands on the precipice of breakthrough technological progress, it is critical that Congress come together to defend the QIST ideals and ultimately shape a future defined by innovation, security, and global competitiveness. is important.
Joseph B. KellerHe is a cognitive scientist and visiting fellow in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution.
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