Notice

Joint statement of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America on cooperation in quantum information sciences and technologies

Published 4 November 2021

Recognizing that quantum information science and technology (QIST) – applying what we know about quantum mechanics to explore new ways to enable enhanced acquisition, transmission and processing of information – could lead to the development of exponentially more powerful computers, novel communication networks, and more precise and accurate sensors;

Acknowledging that the emergence of such technologies provides opportunities to enable wider scientific endeavours and to develop new applications for using QIST to explore grand societal challenges such as global health security, climate change, and efficient resource use;

Affirming that the QIST ecosystem is global, and that international partnerships, grounded in shared values of research integrity and cooperation between allies, are vital to combine the expertise, ingenuity, and creativity of our countries to expand our foundational understanding of QIST and accelerate the realization of subsequent new technologies for the benefit of society and in support of our shared defense interests;

Understanding that a skilled workforce and an increased awareness of applications are essential for the progress of QIST and the development of quantum-enabled economies – and that public awareness raising campaigns, STEM education, apprenticeships, quantum and interdisciplinary skills-building, and reskilling programs – may encourage broad and inclusive participation in QIST, build a robust workforce, and improve the quality of life of our people;

Building on the UK-US Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation signed in Washington on 20 September 2017, we intend to advance our shared vision, harness the constant creation of new knowledge, understanding, and insights from our innovation ecosystems, and advance an interconnected, vibrant, and secure QIST R&D enterprise that embodies this approach by:

• embarking on good-faith cooperation underpinned by our shared values such as freedom of inquiry, merit-based competition, openness and transparency, accountability, and reciprocity; and promoting protection of intellectual property, safe and inclusive research environments, rigour and integrity in research, research security, and reducing administrative burdens
• utilizing existing bilateral science and technology cooperation mechanisms and multilateral cooperation frameworks, and pursuing new implementing pathways, as appropriate, to promote jointly funded and cooperative QIST research and development efforts
• facilitating interactions between government, academia, and the private sector to discuss and understand research trajectories in QIST, which in turn will inform the identification of overlapping interests, gaps, opportunities for future cooperation, areas where standards or consortia are needed, and responses to the as-yet-unknown implications and impacts of the field
• enabling opportunities to build the global market and supply chain for QIST research, and supporting economic growth by engaging stakeholders including industry consortia, research, policy, and business security stakeholders to grow a future QIST marketplace based on shared rules for engagement
• creating regular bilateral and multilateral opportunities to discuss QIST matters of international importance and relevance to policy issues including regulatory, social, security, mutual access, and technology protection considerations
• promoting multidisciplinary research and the cross-fertilization of research methodologies and data sharing as appropriate, including the exchange of people, particularly between respective quantum centers and hubs and universities participating in QIST R&D, to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers vital to expand the field.

We intend to establish a bilateral government-to-government dialogue on the areas identified in this vision and foster a QIST R&D ecosystem that promotes the mutual wellbeing, prosperity, and security of present and future generations.

Statement signed at Washington and London.