WEF：Quantum for Society 2024 - Meeting the Ambition of the SDGs

Many quantum technologies are still in the early stages of development, but their future impact on the world is undeniable. Quantum innovations hold enormous potential to address some of the most complex global challenges, such as improving carbon capture efficiency, ensuring the transition to new energy sources and mitigating climate hazards.

This report explores the connection between quantum technologies and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which United Nations Member States adopted to address these issues through 17 clearly defined Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Achieving these goals meansmoving towards a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable world by 2030. This report explores why organizations and leaders must act now to invest in and prepare for quantum, so that this game- changing technology can be effectively harnessed in the coming years. With the 2030 deadline approaching, all must work together swiftly to meet these sustainability goals and create a better world.

The goal of this report is to raise awareness of quantum technologies’ potential for society. While the timeline for the availability of fault-tolerant quantum computers remains uncertain, other technologies such as quantum sensing and quantum communication may achieve commercial readiness sooner. R&D-intensive industries are the undisputed front-runners in the quantum field, having experimented with industry-driven use cases and built proofs-of-concept for several years. However, uncertainty regarding quantum readiness and lack of clear returns on investment (ROI) hinder the foundation of a robust quantum for society network.

Public–private partnerships (PPP) and government grants at the intersection of quantum and the SDGs can create incentives for innovators to push beyond current boundaries. Government discussions often focus on technology sovereignty concerns, risking the development of further geopolitical divides and neglecting planetary challenges and social well-being, thereby limiting the potential for quantum dissemination.