Berlin – A recent report from the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) highlights China's substantial investment in quantum technology, estimated at around $15 billion, positioning it as a leading force in this critical field. The report, titled "China’s long view on Quantum Tech has the US and the EU playing catch up," indicates that China has surpassed other nations, including the United States, in the annual publication of quantum-related research papers since 2022. This strategic focus underscores quantum technology's pivotal role in global scientific and technological competition.
The findings were recently discussed in a 30-minute podcast featuring MERICS experts Antonia Hmaidi and Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau. As noted by Kyle Chan on social media, "If you prefer audio, they have a fantastic 30-min podcast discussion of the new MERICS report." The podcast delves into the implications of China's advancements and its insular yet effective approach to developing quantum capabilities.
Quantum technologies, which include quantum computing, communication, and sensing, are considered crucial for future military applications and have the potential to revolutionize various aspects of life by overcoming the limitations of traditional digital systems. China's government-backed initiatives have fostered specialized hubs, such as Hefei’s Quantum Avenue, designed to accelerate the transition of academic research into market-ready technologies. This integrated approach contributes to China's rapid progress in the sector.
The MERICS report, part of its China Tech Observatory, suggests that while the US leads in certain quantum areas like patents, China's significant public funding and high volume of research output present a considerable challenge to Western dominance. European nations, collectively, have pledged around $12 billion, indicating a substantial, though comparatively lower, commitment to quantum development. The report emphasizes the need for the US and EU to strategically respond to China's long-term vision in this burgeoning technological domain.
The Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), a German think tank founded by Stiftung Mercator, conducts interdisciplinary research on political, economic, and social trends in China and their global impact. Its analyses, including this latest quantum technology report, aim to inform policymakers, businesses, and the public about critical developments in China's technological landscape.