Quantum technologies stand poised to redefine the boundaries of computational power, secure communication, and sensing precision, potentially exerting an influence even more transformative than artificial intelligence. As this rapidly evolving field gains momentum, pressing questions emerge regarding how to govern these innovations responsibly and effectively. A recent policy perspective, articulated by leading researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the University of Cambridge, Harvard University, and Stanford University, advocates for an early emphasis on international standardization as a foundational governance mechanism, rather than premature legislative regulation. This “standards-first” approach promises to establish a resilient framework that can balance innovation with societal trust, security, and ethical integrity.
At the heart of this strategy lies the recognition that quantum technologies are extraordinarily complex, integrating principles of quantum mechanics into information processing devices, cryptographic protocols, and communication systems. Unlike nascent AI regulations, which often outpaced the establishment of clear technical standards, adopting legal restrictions before stabilizing technical norms risks engendering regulatory ambiguity and stifling innovation. By foregrounding the development of robust international standards, stakeholders can define precise criteria for security, interoperability, and performance, thereby enabling clearer regulatory pathways and fostering global trust.
Historical experiences with complex technology governance highlight the efficacy of standards as precursors to regulation. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has long established vital information security standards, facilitating consistent data protection practices across myriad industries. Similarly, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has defined safety benchmarks for medical electrical devices, ensuring patient and user protection worldwide. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) engineered the technical bedrock of Wi-Fi, harmonizing device interoperability across manufacturers. These precedents underscore how comprehensive standards not only secure functionality and safety but also cultivate consumer confidence and facilitate market adoption.
Presently, a spectrum of standardization efforts targeting quantum technologies is underway. Early 2024 witnessed the creation of Joint Technical Committee 3 (JTC 3) by ISO and IEC, dedicated to foundational standards encompassing quantum computing architectures, quantum communication protocols, and related subfields. Simultaneously, the IEEE, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) are advancing norms addressing post-quantum cryptography resilience, hardware interoperability, security benchmarks, and performance metrics. These initiatives represent concerted international attempts to harmonize and codify quantum technological advances in a rapidly shifting landscape.
Building on these foundational efforts, the authors propose establishing a certifiable Quality Management System (QMS) tailored expressly to quantum technologies. This system transcends conventional product-based certifications by focusing on the processes and management frameworks within organizations. It encompasses not only technical dimensions like quantum device stability and security assurances but also integrates legal, ethical, and socially consequential considerations into the lifecycle of development and deployment. Independent third-party certification bodies such as TÜV could validate compliance once standards are firmly articulated, thereby institutionalizing transparency, accountability, and a culture of quality across the quantum technology sector.
This standards-first approach also carries geopolitical significance. At a time when quantum supremacy promises both strategic advantage and economic leverage, fostering international consensus on standards can serve as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, even among actors with competing interests such as China, the United States, and the European Union. Standard-setting organizations act as forums that transcend political divisions by engaging domain experts in neutral technical deliberations. Moreover, these “soft laws” offer adaptability, allowing swift updates in response to emergent scientific breakthroughs, thereby enhancing regulatory agility and innovation capacity without compromising safety or ethical norms.
Detractors might question the democratic legitimacy of such technocratic standardization processes, which typically differ from traditional legislative procedures. However, modern standard bodies operate inclusively, assembling diverse stakeholders—industry leaders, academia, civil society organizations, and governmental representatives—across national and international levels. Increasingly, these groups deliberate not merely on technical specifications but also embed ethical principles, human rights protections, and social equity considerations into the framework. For instance, emerging standards address data privacy, security mandates, and inclusion, reflecting a broader conceptualization of technology governance that aligns with societal values.
Nonetheless, the authors acknowledge valid critiques regarding potential imbalances within standardization paradigms, notably the disproportionate influence wielded by economically dominant entities and underrepresentation of marginalized voices. These concerns are actively being addressed, as exemplified by ongoing attempts within European AI standards development to elevate civil society’s role and foreground fundamental rights debates. Such reflexive governance adjustments enhance legitimacy while ensuring that standards remain responsive and socially attuned.
Importantly, the standards-first model does not supplant traditional political regulation but rather complements and informs it. Standards function as foundational technical blueprints upon which democratically elected bodies can craft legally binding policies, tailored to specific national contexts and societal discourses. By embedding transparency, accountability, and flexibility early in the technological development trajectory, this approach cultivates an innovation ecosystem that respects both dynamism and democratic oversight.
Given the accelerating pace of quantum research and the anticipatory nature of its applications—from quantum-enhanced artificial intelligence algorithms to ultra-secure communication networks—the imperative for proactive governance has never been greater. The synergy between technical standards and legal frameworks promises not only to mitigate risks such as privacy breaches and systemic vulnerabilities but also to unlock the transformative potential of quantum technologies across health care, finance, energy, and beyond.
In conclusion, the conceptual shift toward prioritizing international standardization in quantum technology governance represents a visionary melding of technical rigor, ethical commitment, and pragmatic policy design. By rallying global expertise and fostering inclusive multi-stakeholder collaboration, the proposed quality management frameworks and soft-law mechanisms offer a blueprint for steering quantum innovations responsively and responsibly. As these extraordinary technologies transition from laboratory curiosities to commercial realities, embedding trustworthiness and accountability from the outset will determine whether their profound promise can be harnessed for equitable and sustainable societal benefit.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Quantum technology governance: A standards-first approach
News Publication Date: 7-Aug-2025
Web References:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adw0018
References:
Gasser, U., Aboy, M., Cohen, I. G., Kop, M. (2025). Quantum technology governance: A standards-first approach. Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.adw0018
Image Credits:
Andreas Heddergott / Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Keywords:
Quantum technologies, governance, standards, quality management system, international cooperation, regulation, interoperability, security, ethical considerations, quantum computing, post-quantum cryptography, technology policy
