Governance for Quantum Technologies: A Necessity for Responsible Technology Development

Helmut Leopold

doi:10.1007/978-3-032-23622-7

Governance for Quantum Technologies: A Necessity for Responsible Technology Development

Helmut Leopold

Center for Digital Safety & Security

Research output: Chapter in Book or Conference Proceedings › Book chapter › peer-review

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Abstract

Quantum technologies enable potential disruptive changes by means of quantum computing, quantum communication and cryptography, and quantum sensing for both the civil and the defence domain. Quantum technologies offer potentially enhanced capabilities for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as well as critical advancements in information security and cryptography. This paper provides decision makers with an overview of the different quantum technology fields and main application areas. Since quantum technology has by its nature a strong dual-use character, potential use cases for the defence sector are highlighted. The level of maturity of quantum technologies in the various fields is discussed and recommendations for next steps are derived for stakeholders to shape further quantum technology development. In order to understand potential risks and ethics considerations, it is of fundamental importance to complement the R&D activities with a sound global multi-stakeholder dialogue. Thus,
this paper discusses the essential factors for the design of effective governance rules and summarises recommended measures to develop and operate quantum technology-based solutions in a responsible ethical framework in the civil as
well as in the defence domain following digital humanism objectives.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	DefenceTech Governance
Subtitle of host publication	AI, Biotech, Materials, Neurotech and Quantum—Crucial Frontiers for European and International Security and Defence
Editors	Arndold H. Kammel, Andrea Heinz, Daniel Hikes-Wurm
Publisher	Springer Nature Switzerland AG
Pages	203-231
Number of pages	29
Edition	1
ISBN (Electronic)	978-3-032-23622-7
ISBN (Print)	978-3-032-23621-0
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-23622-7
Publication status	Published - 20 Jun 2026

Research Field

Quantum Key Distribution

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https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-23622-7Licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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Leopold, H. (2026). Governance for Quantum Technologies: A Necessity for Responsible Technology Development. In A. H. Kammel, A. Heinz, & D. Hikes-Wurm (Eds.), DefenceTech Governance: AI, Biotech, Materials, Neurotech and Quantum—Crucial Frontiers for European and International Security and Defence (1 ed., pp. 203-231). Springer Nature Switzerland AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-23622-7

Leopold, Helmut. / Governance for Quantum Technologies: A Necessity for Responsible Technology Development. DefenceTech Governance: AI, Biotech, Materials, Neurotech and Quantum—Crucial Frontiers for European and International Security and Defence. editor / Arndold H. Kammel ; Andrea Heinz ; Daniel Hikes-Wurm. 1. ed. Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2026. pp. 203-231

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abstract = "Quantum technologies enable potential disruptive changes by means of quantum computing, quantum communication and cryptography, and quantum sensing for both the civil and the defence domain. Quantum technologies offer potentially enhanced capabilities for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as well as critical advancements in information security and cryptography. This paper provides decision makers with an overview of the different quantum technology fields and main application areas. Since quantum technology has by its nature a strong dual-use character, potential use cases for the defence sector are highlighted. The level of maturity of quantum technologies in the various fields is discussed and recommendations for next steps are derived for stakeholders to shape further quantum technology development. In order to understand potential risks and ethics considerations, it is of fundamental importance to complement the R\&D activities with a sound global multi-stakeholder dialogue. Thus, this paper discusses the essential factors for the design of effective governance rules and summarises recommended measures to develop and operate quantum technology-based solutions in a responsible ethical framework in the civil as well as in the defence domain following digital humanism objectives.",

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Leopold, H 2026, Governance for Quantum Technologies: A Necessity for Responsible Technology Development. in AH Kammel, A Heinz & D Hikes-Wurm (eds), DefenceTech Governance: AI, Biotech, Materials, Neurotech and Quantum—Crucial Frontiers for European and International Security and Defence. 1 edn, Springer Nature Switzerland AG, pp. 203-231. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-23622-7

Governance for Quantum Technologies: A Necessity for Responsible Technology Development. / Leopold, Helmut.
DefenceTech Governance: AI, Biotech, Materials, Neurotech and Quantum—Crucial Frontiers for European and International Security and Defence. ed. / Arndold H. Kammel; Andrea Heinz; Daniel Hikes-Wurm. 1. ed. Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2026. p. 203-231.

Research output: Chapter in Book or Conference Proceedings › Book chapter › peer-review

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N2 - Quantum technologies enable potential disruptive changes by means of quantum computing, quantum communication and cryptography, and quantum sensing for both the civil and the defence domain. Quantum technologies offer potentially enhanced capabilities for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as well as critical advancements in information security and cryptography. This paper provides decision makers with an overview of the different quantum technology fields and main application areas. Since quantum technology has by its nature a strong dual-use character, potential use cases for the defence sector are highlighted. The level of maturity of quantum technologies in the various fields is discussed and recommendations for next steps are derived for stakeholders to shape further quantum technology development. In order to understand potential risks and ethics considerations, it is of fundamental importance to complement the R&D activities with a sound global multi-stakeholder dialogue. Thus, this paper discusses the essential factors for the design of effective governance rules and summarises recommended measures to develop and operate quantum technology-based solutions in a responsible ethical framework in the civil as well as in the defence domain following digital humanism objectives.

AB - Quantum technologies enable potential disruptive changes by means of quantum computing, quantum communication and cryptography, and quantum sensing for both the civil and the defence domain. Quantum technologies offer potentially enhanced capabilities for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as well as critical advancements in information security and cryptography. This paper provides decision makers with an overview of the different quantum technology fields and main application areas. Since quantum technology has by its nature a strong dual-use character, potential use cases for the defence sector are highlighted. The level of maturity of quantum technologies in the various fields is discussed and recommendations for next steps are derived for stakeholders to shape further quantum technology development. In order to understand potential risks and ethics considerations, it is of fundamental importance to complement the R&D activities with a sound global multi-stakeholder dialogue. Thus, this paper discusses the essential factors for the design of effective governance rules and summarises recommended measures to develop and operate quantum technology-based solutions in a responsible ethical framework in the civil as well as in the defence domain following digital humanism objectives.

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Leopold H. Governance for Quantum Technologies: A Necessity for Responsible Technology Development. In Kammel AH, Heinz A, Hikes-Wurm D, editors, DefenceTech Governance: AI, Biotech, Materials, Neurotech and Quantum—Crucial Frontiers for European and International Security and Defence. 1 ed. Springer Nature Switzerland AG. 2026. p. 203-231 doi: 10.1007/978-3-032-23622-7

Governance for Quantum Technologies: A Necessity for Responsible Technology Development

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