QUROPE Quantum Information Processing and Communication in Europe

While the previous presentation has been structured along the different VI’s, the field of quantum technologies has to proceed as a coherent and unified research effort. Indeed, many synergies among the different research directions are expected and essential to attain the previous objectives. To name just a couple of illustrative examples, detection and state-preparation techniques developed in the context of quantum communication will find an application in sensing scenarios, and error-correction techniques developed in the context of quantum computation will be needed for the certification of quantum simulations. In this sense, the role of basic science and theoretical new ideas is essential, as new disruptive theoretical proposals can significantly boost many of the previous promising applications of quantum technologies. Progress in all of these areas is reliant on fundamental research to improve and find new enabling technologies and concepts.

Quantum technologies are already present in the current work programme. Recently, there has been a proactive call on quantum simulation. There are also explicit mentions to quantum concepts in the work programme: in ICT 25 - 2015: Generic micro- and nano-electronic technologies, projects may include activities “related to modelling and simulation: e.g. quantum and atomic scale effects” or study “new computing paradigms like quantum computing”; in ICT 26 - 2014: Photonics KET, new device concepts “based on quantum optics or quantum technologies” are mentioned in the context of disruptive sensing technologies; finally, in ICT 32-2014: Cybersecurity, Trustworthy ICT, post- quantum key distribution and several aspects of QKD appear.

In our vision, the framework programme for the next years is a key funding mechanism to support and unite all the previous research activities, from basic theoretical research to industrial applications. In this sense, we expect quantum technologies to gain an even more visible role in future research funding in Europe. A proactive call on quantum technologies, complementary to the recent one on quantum simulations, is timely and can help in bringing the developments described above much closer to applications. As mentioned, theoretical ideas should remain visible in the programme, as we are still far from understanding all that quantum properties can offer for technological purposes. Finally, we also expect quantum aspects to increase their relevance in the photonics, security and nano-technologies programs. For instance, the possibility of self-certified protocols using device-independent techniques brings cryptographic applications to a significantly stronger level of security where a much lower level of trust is needed on the provider. Also, new photonic devices operating at the quantum scale will emerge from the research effort in photonics and nano-technologies. In this sense, calls in these programs parallel to those in FET can be expected to deliver a major synergy effect.

Let us conclude by mentioning that bridging the gap between blue-sky research and applications will take time and several iterations. It should also be understood at this early stage of researching quantum technologies that in all likelihood there will not be one single solution, but many, on the way to developing this key enabling technology of the 21st century and to build a quantum industry.