Where do the US and China stand in the race to quantum dominance?
Since the first quantum mechanics manuscript was published in 1925, the quantum field has evolved from an academic curiosity to an integral component of next-generation defense, research, and commercial technologies. From transformative leaps in processing power to game-changing cybersecurity applications, quantum computing, communications, and sensing will change the national security and geopolitical landscape.
But will the United States or China emerge as the world’s quantum leader? Which of these two nations is leading research and development across the quantum application areas of computing, communication, and sensing? How are these nations’ policies and development strategies helping or hindering their pursuit of quantum dominance?
To explore these questions, this NSDPI paper analyzes academic and intellectual property (IP) protection efforts in quantum computing, communication, and sensing by the US and China. This analysis will give policymakers insight into the two nations’ pace of quantum innovation to inform how the US can take and sustain the lead.
Key Takeaways
- Since 2015, China is leading academic efforts in the three quantum application areas while the US is contributing fewer academic papers and patents.
- The PRC has been ramping up federal support for quantum research in recent years, while the US National Quantum Initiative’s funding lapsed in 2023 and has not been renewed.
- US quantum markets are still leading the commercial front, but the recent declines in academic outputs may indicate a need to strengthen fundamental research spaces.