Government responds to RHC recommendations on regulating quantum tech applications
Background
On 8 October, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) responded to recommendations made by the Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) on the regulation of quantum technology applications. In doing so, the UK has become the first country to set out a pro-innovation approach to quantum regulation.
The UK National Quantum Strategy, published in 2023, outlines ambitions to “create a national and international regulatory framework that supports innovation and the ethical use of quantum technologies, and protects UK capabilities and national security”.
Following its publication, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) commissioned the Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) to review the future needs for quantum technologies regulation to enable the sector to innovate and grow, which the RHC published in February 2024 following extensive stakeholder engagement.
Report & recommendations
The report focuses on how the UK can support the development and adoption of quantum technology applications through fostering an innovation-friendly regulatory approach and environment.
It goes on to call for the development of a pro-innovation regulatory framework that can help retain domestic developers and investors, as well as attract those from abroad who seek regulatory certainty and want to develop their products responsibly.
The report's recommendations are categorised into three broad themes: regulatory frameworks and governance, standards and international collaboration, and innovation funding and market development.
In total, the Government has accepted 11 of the report's 14 recommendations in full and the other 3 in principle. Among these recommendations includes:
- Support of a regulation-by-application approach for quantum technologies led by sectoral regulators, with initial convening of a Regulatory Forum for Quantum Technologies to support regulators to become quantum ready
- Continued support of the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum (RQIF) led by the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and co-chaired by techUK and UKQuantum. The RQIF has the primary objective of supporting industry in the responsible use and development of quantum technologies, by providing a venue for industry to share best practices and case studies on operationalising co-developed shared principles.
- International collaboration for pro-innovation regulation. Government will build on its strong involvement in international standards and regulation, leveraging its expertise and position globally to support international harmonisation. This includes the Quantum Standards Network (QSN)
- Finally, Government recognises and agrees with the Regulatory Horizons Council that it is too early to regulate quantum computing applications with legislation
techUK members had the opportunity to feed into both the RHC report and the newly published response.
techUK welcomes the Government's response to these recommendations, along with its aim to increase regulatory capability and enable a sector- and application-specific approach to regulating quantum technologies in the future.
Doing so should provide the UK's quantum sector with the confidence and support required to turn the 10-year vision set out in the National Quantum Strategy into action.
Click here to read the Government's response to the RHC's recommendations.