Launching the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum’s principles
Convening the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum
Quantum technologies, including computing, communications, and sensing, have the potential for transformative impacts. As these technologies become more widely adopted in the UK and beyond, it is critical that they are developed and used responsibly, as emphasised by the strong focus in the UK’s National Quantum Strategy to responsible innovation, ethical use, and societal good. While many organisations are keen to put responsible quantum into action, it may be challenging to know where to start.
To support the UK’s quantum ecosystem in these aims, earlier this year we established the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum (RQIF), led by the NQCC with UKQuantum and techUK as industry co-chairs. The objective of the Forum is to enable organisations in the responsible development and use of quantum technologies, building on shared principles, by providing a venue for sharing best practices and lessons learnt in operationalising responsible quantum.
Today, we are pleased to share the RQIF principles, a shared commitment to the responsible development and use of quantum technologies, developed with input from our members.
Since its launch in January, RQIF has now grown to over 40 members, and has been recognised as a key enabler for responsible innovation in quantum technology through the Regulatory Horizons Council report on regulating quantum technology applications, and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology’s response.
RQIF convenes regularly, with the purpose of driving next steps on putting responsible quantum into practice, building on RQIF principles as a foundation and shaping development as the technology evolves. Meetings offer members the opportunity to learn from others, including expert guest speakers, understand shared challenges, and establish best practices towards responsible quantum. We continue to welcome new members who share our goal of a responsible quantum future. To learn more, Express your Interest here.
A shared commitment to responsible quantum
Our intention is that the RQIF principles serve a number of purposes:
- First and foremost, as the foundation for a shared commitment to the responsible development and use of quantum technologies
- For organisations, as an enabler for embedding and operationalising responsible quantum principles internally, guiding responsible decision making
- Within the Forum, as a basis for collaboration on operationalising the principles
- By demonstrating thought-leadership and modelling best practices in the responsible development of quantum technologies, providing assurance to the wider community and building trust amongst stakeholders, including government, end users, and the general public
The Responsible Quantum Industry Forum principles
Open collaboration on responsible quantum
Be collaborative and open in upholding our principles, pursuing the shared goal of the responsible use and development of quantum technologies.
Forward-looking and responsive
Seek to pro-actively consider the impacts of quantum technologies on individuals, wider society, and the environment, and respond proportionately and according to our principles.
Transparency and explainability
Be transparent about the expected potential impact of our technology on society and the environment, represent its capabilities honestly, and aim for explainable outcomes.
Safety and reliability
Design, build, and test for safety and reliability.
Privacy and security
Pro-actively address risks to privacy and security.
Equitability, fairness, and inclusivity
Promote fair and equitable opportunities to access and benefit from quantum technologies, building a diverse and inclusive ecosystem.
Accountability
Be accountable in upholding our principles, demonstrating our commitment through our actions and decisions.
Developing the principles
To develop the RQIF principles, we brought together our members, representing key organisations from the UK quantum technology industry, as well as carrying out an online consultation exercise to ensure all views were represented.
During the one-day workshop, we began by ensuring alignment with existing ecosystem values, and establishing shared understanding of the context of quantum technologies. We found that there was strong consensus on key values, including transparency, accountability, equitability, security, safety, and privacy. These themes were found to align well with an initial draft of principles by the Core Team.
Members were then given the opportunity to review and discuss this initial draft of principles. Throughout discussions, members shared their valuable insights, helping to revise and iterate, resulting in the RQIF principles for responsible quantum technologies.
With thanks to our members for their contributions
We gratefully acknowledge the valuable contributions of RQIF members who kindly shared their time and insights during the principle drafting process.
Abby Casey, NQCC
Adrian Maguire, Experian
Andrew Dunn, Quantum Brilliance
Andy Lilly, Armour Communications
Ben Sheridan, BSI
Cat Mora, Phasecraft Ltd
Cecilia Nunn, Digital Catapult
Christina Yan Zhang, The Metaverse Institute
Claudia Perry, bp and UKQuantum
David Snelling, Fujitsu
Didi Denham, Google
Glenn Manoff, Riverlane
James Talbot, Pinsent Masons
John Devaney, National Physical Laboratory
Jonathan Legh-Smith, UKQuantum
Kumar Singarajah, Arqit and Lumino Space
Laura Foster, techUK
Lucy Maidwell, MBDA
Matthew Hutchings, SEEQC
Marcus Ward, Intel Corporation
Mira Pijselman, EY
Mira Wolf-Bauwens, IBM Research/IBM Quantum
Natasha Oughton, NQCC
Navin Bagga, Rescale
Piers Clinton-Tarestad, EY
Renaud Di Francesco, Sony Europe BV
Rupert Shute, Home Office
Sam Funnell, Nu Quantum
Scott Dufferwiel, Aegiq
Simon Plant, NQCC
Tess Buckley, techUK
Vikaran Khanna, National Energy System Operator
Contact the team
Laura Foster
Laura Foster
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.
She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.
- Email:
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- www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster