Page 135 - AI Standards for Global Impact: From Governance to Action

AI Standards for Global Impact: From Governance to Action

Growing and diversifying the quantum workforce is equally urgent. In a forward-looking
panel, young professionals and "future leaders" in quantum described how entering the field
can feel like a Catch-22 where "experience is needed to get experience." Breaking this cycle
will require lowering barriers to entry by creating more early-career opportunities such as Good Part 4: Quantum for
internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on training programmes, enabling students and recent
graduates to gain practical exposure even without advanced degrees. They also highlighted
the importance of fostering a supportive community and mentorship for newcomers, rather
than the field becoming a field of exclusivity.

The skillset demanded by the quantum workforce is also expanding. Beyond physicists and
theorists, the industry will need a range of roles including engineers, software developers, system
integrators, technicians, as well as experts in ethics, law, and communications. Cross-disciplinary
skills were highlighted as vital, for example training physics students in communication and
teamwork so they can collaborate effectively and explain complex ideas to non-experts. Public
outreach and education are essential to gain public trust and inspire the next generation.
Practical suggestions included integrating communication and ethics modules into technical
curricula and engaging schools and communities to raise quantum literacy.

The overarching message was that building "quantum for all" requires intentional effort now.
This means extending resources and lab access beyond established centres of excellence,
supporting women and under-represented groups in pursuing the field, and sharing educational
content widely. International cooperation in workforce development was called for to share best
practices and even create joint programmes to train quantum engineers and scientists.

The discussions called for global resolve to help countries grow their expertise, build a quantum-
ready workforce, create opportunities (including for women and girls), equip youth for further
quantum development, and foster quantum research locally. Ensuring diverse participation
is not only a matter of fairness but a driver of creativity and innovation. A broader pool of
participants means a wider range of ideas for how quantum can be applied to address global
challenges and deliver real benefits to humanity.

22�4 International collaboration and standards for quantum

The rapid development of quantum technologies is outpacing policy development, raising
urgent questions around governance, security, and equitable access. The dynamic and global
nature of quantum innovation highlights the value of joint research, open innovation, and
international consensus-based standards for quantum technologies to deliver global benefits
while guarding against related risks.

A central concern raised in the discussions was the risk of the "quantum divide." Today only
a handful of countries are making major investments in quantum research and development,
positioning themselves to leap ahead while many others lack even the digital infrastructure to
participate. Without deliberate action, this pattern could mirror or exceed the digital divide of
the Internet era. Strong diplomatic and multilateral measures, capacity-building programmes,
knowledge transfer, and inclusive research partnerships are critical to help developing regions
build expertise and access quantum benefits.

Leaders from QED-C, QuIC, and Q-STAR highlighted how international quantum consortia
navigate collaboration in a geopolitically fragmented world. While acknowledging national
security concerns and diverse organizational structures, there was broad consensus on the

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