Day 1: Discussions Across the Atlantic – Part 1
One primary goal of the Transatlantic Quantum Forum has been bringing together research all over the globe. To make this happen, we connected the different hubs in the evening of the first day to have a digitally connected panel discussion on various aspects of quantum technologies and their handling in the future.
The Munich hub welcomed Matthias Kettemann and Joris van Hoboken; and the New Haven hub simultaneously, Ido Kilovati and Laura de Nardis. Both presenting institutes were streaming to New Haven and L.A. during all talks, enabling the first transatlantic quantum experience within science. Matthias Kettemann started giving unique proposed insights and recommendations on future regulation and laws on quantum and the access of quantum data by concluding the A.I. data act and experiences with open data regarding emerging technologies. “We don’t need a new A.I. law for Q.T., but we need to build open normative guidelines which have to be linked to the existing ones” (Matthias Kettemann). This statement reflects one of the big common ideas of the conference participants, even they also pointed out that it will be important not to hinder the development of this new disruptive technology.
Next up in Munich has been Joris van Hoboken presenting his ongoing work on quantum technologies. Joris, a quantum expert, not just for the societal, political, and economic aspects but also for the technology, presented a more profound approach regarding the technical specifications of quantum technologies. He pointed out the need for interdisciplinary teams to develop the chances and manage the risks arising with further development of quantum technologies. While quantum raises tough questions like how to deal with security issues and the responsibility to develop and employ such solutions, he also pointed out the vast potential of quantum technologies for positive change, especially within the field of science, where quantum simulation will cause significant changes. While evolving a strategy to deal with quantum technologies, he also pointed out that “We do not have to start from scratch, but we have to focus on the parts that are unique to quantum technologies” (Joris van Hoboken).
After these inspiring talks sketching some of the chances and risks of quantum technologies, the stage was handed over to New Haven, hosting the following two paper presentations.
First has been Ido Kilovaty introducing the risks for encryption, including a timeline of when we will arrive in the post-quantum era and who will be responsible and must be included to deal with the upcoming risks from the institutional side. In his presentation, he lines out the principal risks, the need for institutional development of concepts dealing with the post-quantum breach, and the need to rethink data security within the next decade.
The last talk given by Laura deNardis focuses on protocols and the interoperability of different protocol formats regarding the upcoming quantum internet. She argues that the rise of the quantum internet is comparable to the development of the early internet. She points out the complex structure of the existing protocols and the need to prepare and enforce coordinated and interoperable quantum protocols for the quantum internet and to focus on the infrastructure and the content.
As different as the talks were, they had one thing in common: quantum technologies will play an essential role in the future. As diverse as the negotiations were, they had one thing in common: quantum technologies will play a crucial role in the future. One can approach the topic in many ways, increasing the complexity when time is running out. It is essential to address the issue differently to have a secure and fruitful quantum internet.