This move signals that the G7 nations, joined by Australia, have committed to a new, groundbreaking partnership to advance cooperation on quantum technology. This landmark agreement is intended to establish common best practices and metrics for developing quantum technology. In doing so, it will increase cooperation between these nations within this quickly changing domain.
The discussions between leaders at the previous G7 meeting – in Canada last June – were particularly lively. They noted the momentous opportunity, and need, for public-private cooperation to accelerate the development of quantum technology. The countries involved established specific measures to help them become more proficient at creating quantum technologies. These technologies have the potential to disrupt or transform every industry.
Goals of the Agreement
The trilateral agreement is designed to enhance cooperation between the G7 countries and Australia. It aims to increase the speed and efficiency of collaboration in all realms of quantum technologies. We, the signatories, accept that with the further advancement of these technologies, there is a growing demand for common benchmarks.
Thomas Grenon, director general of France’s National Metrology and Testing Laboratory (LNE), emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “is to work together better and faster on major yet still very emerging quantum technologies.” The participating nations agree that establishing global benchmarks is essential to objectively compare the performance of quantum computers against traditional computing systems.
To meet these ambitious goals, the agreement looks to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures for guidance. This nonprofit has laid down the groundwork for a shared system of measurements. Countries that are party to the Metre Convention have enjoyed the benefits of this international framework for more than 150 years. Grenon elaborated on the necessity of metrics for innovation, saying, “We need to develop metrics that allow for comparison.”
Framework for Measurement Standards
In the past, measurements like the kilogram have changed drastically. Until 2019, the kilogram was defined as the mass of a specific liter of water. Since then, it has been redefined in terms of Planck’s constant. This fundamental plays an important role in the quantum world of energy. Broadly, this shift emphasizes the growing importance of quantum principles in today’s measurements.
The G7 agreement goes on to try to establish the same careful process for development of quantum technology. The collaborative will focus on ensuring that any standards set are a baseline, not the floor, for what comes next. Grenon explained that in the absence of universally accepted benchmarks, countries would be disincentived from forming their own standards, which could stall momentum. He remarked, “If you want to objectively compare the speed of a quantum computer against other computers, you need to build global benchmarks that are as widely shared as possible. Otherwise, everyone will create their own.”
Future Implications for Quantum Technology
Teams at France’s LNE are currently busy setting these benchmarks. If successful, their efforts will create a roadmap for establishing comprehensive evaluations of the performance and capabilities of future quantum computers. This initiative echoes the G7 countries’ commitment to take the lead in advanced technology. It’s what keeps them competitive globally.
This agreement’s importance can’t be overstated. This week, the 11 of the world’s largest economies pledged as a group. They want to pursue cutting-edge technological capacities while making sure a strategic and policy-driven framework is adopted.