Quantum Science for Inclusion and Sustainability: policy brief
Abstract
Quantum Science and Technology (QST) is rapidly emerging as a transformative field, with the potential to impact sectors such as healthcare, energy, agriculture, and secure communication. Its relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is increasingly recognized. However, access to its benefits remains highly uneven. In 2022, quantum technology startups attracted $2.35 billion in investments, an all-time high, yet still modest compared to the $90+ billion invested globally in Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups the same year. While QST investment is projected to grow to $8 billion by 2030, it remains significantly behind AI, both in scale and geographic distribution, highlighting the need for immediate, coordinated action to avoid widening the divide. Moreover, this investment is heavily concentrated in fewer than 15 countries, leaving huge number of countries in several regions without national strategies or the capacity to meaningfully participate in shaping the quantum future. If urgent measures are not taken, this gap will deepen, excluding entire regions from the benefits of quantum advancement. UNESCO calls for proactive and equitable strategies to ensure QST contributes to a fairer, more inclusive global future. This Policy Brief is intended primarily for UNESCO Member States and policymakers, but is also relevant to educators, researchers, international development partners, and science communicators engaged in shaping inclusive and responsible quantum…
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