Quantum technologies are a future technology with the potential to revolutionize large areas of digital technologies in the medium to long term and, in particular, to take the computing power available for solving certain classes of problems to new heights. As part of the “Forschungsprogramm Quantensysteme – Spitzentechnologie entwickeln. Zukunft gestalten.” (Research Program Quantum Systems. Developing Cutting-edge Technology. Shaping the Future.), the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding research, development, public relations, and recruitment activities in this field. In doing so, the BMBF combines a long-term view of technology development, which in some cases is still very fundamental, with the aim of involving users at an early stage and exploring the concrete benefits that can already be achieved. The research program focuses in particular on quantum computing and quantum sensing.

The long-term perspective, which is essential for securing the technological sovereignty of Germany and Europe in the long run, also involves addressing potential social, legal, and ethical issues that may arise from the application of these technologies. This includes both the consequences of the intended application and possible unintended, unforeseen side effects. Experience with technologies such as genetic engineering or nanotechnology has shown that it is necessary to anticipate such consequences, also in order to adequately counter any defensive attitudes that may spontaneously arise in parts of the population.

The commissioned study sheds light on a number of such social and ethical issues and helps identify other, as yet unknown, issues that may need to be addressed as part of further action.

The ITAS project team follows a multi-stage approach: First, a comprehensive literature review is conducted to collect, evaluate, and synthesize comparable studies from recent years and to identify potential gaps. Furthermore, relevant stakeholders in quantum technologies from academia, industry, government, and civil society are identified and asked about the potential social and ethical implications. To this end, both interviews and written surveys will be conducted on topics such as the impact on IT security, the sustainability of quantum technologies, and access to the technology, which will then be summarized and processed, particularly with regard to recommendations for action. The result will be comprehensive findings on the state of technology assessment of quantum technologies, research needs, communication requirements, and the need for governmental regulation. Thus, the project team not only contributes to identifying potential social and ethical risks but also provides the client with recommendations for proactive, socially responsible action.

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