Where things are and aren’t: Policy logics and geopolitical anxieties in the standardisation of quantum technologies

During the last 5 years, emerging from Europe to gradually cascade to other corners of the  world, the standardisation landscape of quantum technologies has started getting shape. But what is actually being standardised in a field that is still in search for its ‘killer’ use-case? Who is at the table and who is leading the standardisation discourse? How are traditional geopolitical antinomies play out in the nascent – and highly sensitive – field of quantum tech and what is the role of Europe therein? Is it really too early to standardise quantum tech? This study represents the first empirical exploration of the emerging field of quantum standardisation. Through active observation of the workings in the CEN-CENELEC JTC 22 and the ISO-IEC JTC 3 as well as through interviews with relevant stakeholders, this research projects illustrates aspects of a field where the (very early) science of quantum technologies (including and especially quantum computing) meets the (very eager) policy demand for security and commercialisation.  

This lecture will discuss findings of a year-long empirical study of the field of quantum standardisation. The talk will be hosted (in person, with the possibility to attend remotely) by the Law and Governance of Quantum Technologies group, Institute for Information Law in collaboration with the Asser Institute and the critical infrastructure lab, University of Amsterdam.

Dr Petros Terzis is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Information Law, University of Amsterdam. His work focuses on the law and governance of quantum technologies and the political economy of computing. Working with prof. dr. Joris van Hoboken and the research group on the law and governance of quantum technologies at IViR, Petros’s work explores the standardisation initiatives and practices for quantum technologies in the EU in an attempt to contextualise them within the broader ecosystem of technology production and to study the various ways that current configurations of power therein  (pre)shape and (pre)determine future trajectories of otherwise generative (quantum) technologies.

Centre for Quantum and Society 
The Centre for Quantum and Society is a knowledge and co-creation center to maximize quantum technologies’ positive impact on society. We’re part of Action Line 4 of Quantum Delta NL, a unique program that aims to put societal impact first. We facilitate ground-breaking research into the ethical, legal, and societal dimensions related to quantum technologies. We develop tools to assess quantum applications’ impacts and develop governance approaches and guidelines. We support start–ups, small businesses, and corporate innovation teams in understanding the potential impact of quantum technologies on their sector, customers, and society. Last but not least, we initiate mission-driven innovation projects. 

This monthly colloquium, organized by the Center for Quantum & Society of Quantum Delta NL, provides a platform for quantum & society researchers, aimed at building and broadening the community engaged in research on non-technical questions related to quantum technologies, including their development, applications, and implications. We will provide networking opportunities within the community, including with the aim to facilitate new collaborations.