Navigating skills and talent development for quantum technology
Current insights and future horizons
ResearchPublished Apr 13, 2025
Quantum technology is advancing rapidly, highlighting the need for a skilled workforce. In this study, we find that the global quantum technology ecosystem is becoming increasingly heterogeneous, integrating various expertise and disciplines, yet faces challenges to the availability and distribution of skills. We propose policy actions to develop a resilient, equitable and future-ready quantum technology skills pipeline and workforce.
The capabilities of quantum technologies have advanced significantly in recent years, demonstrating their potential across various sectors such as the life sciences, finance, aerospace, defence, energy and telecommunications. The rapid evolution of these technologies highlights the need for a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and translating theoretical advancements into practical applications. Against this backdrop, RAND Europe and the Novo Nordisk Foundation convened a roundtable discussion to discuss critical issues related to skills development within the quantum technology ecosystem. Participants, comprising thought leaders, researchers, industry experts and policymakers, examined the key emerging trends, challenges and opportunities, and discussed strategies to bridge the quantum technology skills gap and nurture a robust talent pipeline.
This report captures the perspectives and insights of participants at the roundtable, serving as a concise guide to inform and contribute to the broader stakeholder discourse on quantum technology skills and talent, as policy on these key issues develops. The discussions also informed a set of cross-cutting policy considerations aimed at guiding stakeholders in building a resilient, equitable and future-ready quantum technology workforce. These considerations emphasise the importance of collaboration and community building, stress the need to expand and diversify skills and perspectives, and encourage stakeholders to approach skills systems holistically with forward planning. Taken together, these policy considerations can be regarded as a set of cross-cutting principles that could underpin a future 'Quantum Technology Skills Charter', expressing a collective statement of intent, ambition and commitment among stakeholders including public, private and third sector (including civil society) entities.
Key Findings
- The global quantum technology ecosystem is evolving to become increasingly heterogeneous, encompassing a range of expertise and disciplines.
- There are key challenges concerning the availability, types and distribution of skills pertinent to advancing the quantum technology ecosystem.
- Universities worldwide are expanding quantum-related degree programmes and research opportunities, while industry players are also increasingly developing educational content and tools, collectively enhancing quantum literacy and workforce readiness.
- The development of a robust, sustainable quantum technology talent pipeline will require adopting a patient, long-term approach that targets different learning levels across the education and skills development journey.
- Addressing the quantum technology workforce development challenge necessitates coordination, community building and common standards.
Recommendations
To develop a resilient, equitable and future-ready quantum technology skills pipeline and workforce, we propose:
Connecting, collaborating and community building
- Policy consideration 1: Join forces with trusted partners
- Policy consideration 2: Leverage the local
- Policy consideration 3: Forge inclusive public outreach and learning practices
Expanding and diversifying skills and perspectives
- Policy consideration 4: Broaden the range of skillsets
- Policy consideration 5: Embed public interest and social good thinking
Approaching skills systems holistically with forward planning
- Policy consideration 6: Develop alternative and flexible learning routes
- Policy consideration 7: Apply broad skills frameworks strategies
- Policy consideration 8: Actively prepare for future developments
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Document Details
- Copyright: RAND Corporation
- Availability: Web-Only
- Year: 2025
- Pages: 52
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.7249/RRA3889-1
- Document Number: RR-A3889-1
Citation
RAND Style Manual
Gunashekar, Salil and Teodora Chis, Navigating skills and talent development for quantum technology: Current insights and future horizons, RAND Corporation, RR-A3889-1, 2025. As of April 30, 2025: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3889-1.html
Chicago Manual of Style
Gunashekar, Salil and Teodora Chis, Navigating skills and talent development for quantum technology: Current insights and future horizons. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2025. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3889-1.html.
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