Beginning in 2023, I have been part of a team of researchers investigating how Australian industry sectors were preparing for the introduction of second-generation quantum technologies: quantum communications, quantum computing, and quantum sensing. This work began with a survey of the literature to identify the potential use cases for these technologies, which we published as a report (Baruwal Chhetri et al., 2024).
We also interviewed representatives of Australian industry sectors for their perspective, and performed a wider survey of Australian industries on their awareness and preparations for quantum technologies. Our analysis of these interviews and our survey of the preparedness of Australian industries for quantum technologies has now been released (Baruwal Chhetri et al., 2025).
The official project page can be found here: Understanding Quantum Readiness across Australian Industry Sectors (CSIRO).
To complement to this project, I co-authored a paper investigating whether the unique characteristics of quantum computing justifies a new sub-field of quantum computing ethics (Coates et al., 2025).
References
2025
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Quantum Shift: How are Australian Organisations Navigating the Quantum Frontier?
Mohan
Baruwal Chhetri, Rebecca
Coates, Yue
Huang, David M.
Douglas, Chehara
Pathmabandu, Gabi
Skoff, and Lauren S.
Ferro
2025
Quantum technologies are rapidly transitioning from theoretical concepts to real-world applications, with the potential to transform industries and reshape societies. Recognised as one of Australia’s critical technologies, they are expected to drive economic growth, enhance national security, and promote social cohesion. The National Quantum Strategy envisions Australia as a global leader in quantum technologies by 2030, with these innovations integrated into society to foster a fair, inclusive, and prosperous Australia. Conservative estimates project that quantum technologies could contribute $6.1 billion to Australia’s GDP by 2045 and create tens of thousands of jobs. However, realising this potential depends not only on how quickly we develop these technologies, but also on their responsible adoption across industries. Given their wide-ranging applications and disruptive potential, quantum technologies must be implemented in ways that maximise benefits, minimise harm, and support long-term societal and environmental wellbeing. In this context, assessing the quantum readiness of organisations across Australia’s diverse industry sectors is critical. Even more urgent is the need for assessing quantum cyber readiness, i.e., the preparedness to defend against the cybersecurity threats posed by quantum computing. This urgency has been underscored by the Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) recent directive to migrate to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) by 2030. This directive provides a clear signal for organisations to begin preparing for a post-quantum future, particularly by transitioning to cryptographic standards resilient to quantum threats.
This report presents findings from a quantum readiness study that draws on survey data and interviews with key decision-makers and strategic influencers within organisations across key sectors.
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AI and quantum computing ethics- same but different? Towards a new sub-field of computing ethics
Rebecca
Coates, David
Douglas, and Manolo
Per
Quantum Science and Technology, May 2025
Publisher: IOP Publishing
As quantum computing development advances closer toward achieving fault-tolerant error-corrected realisation, debates on applications, impacts, risks, and benefits of quantum computing are timely and due. While there is awareness of the potential power and complexity of quantum computers, there has been relatively little attention on the social impacts and ethical implications of this technology. In grappling with the social impacts of quantum computing, some stakeholders have turned to applied ethics, specifically (classical) computer and Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics, for guidance. While computer and AI ethics are useful starting points for evaluating the ethical issues posed by quantum computing, uncritically applying existing sets of ethical principles risks overlooking how quantum computing differs from these technologies. We argue that borrowing of ethical principles and guidelines from AI and computing is inappropriate for several reasons: (1) quantum computing, classical computing, and AI are different technologies with significant material differences; (2) unlike AI and classical computers which have become established, quantum computing is an emerging technology, which has implications on the levels of accessibility and immediate impact in society; and (3) there are significant differences in the way AI and quantum computing have been developed and by whom. We also briefly summarise some of the unique risks and societ al impacts posed by quantum computing. We posit that these reasons support the argument for a new sub-field of quantum computing ethics, which would allow a relevant scholarship to develop and provide guidance as quantum computing technology continues to mature.
2024
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Mapping Australia’s Quantum Landscape: Potential Applications Across Industry Sectors
Mohan
Baruwal Chhetri, Rebecca
Coates, Yue
Haung, Lihong
Tang, David
Douglas, and Gabi
Skoff
2024
In preparing for the future of quantum technologies, Australia’s National Quantum Strategy envisions a trusted, ethical, and inclusive quantum ecosystem that will modernise the economy, enhance societal well-being, support national interests, and create new jobs. This study contributes to that vision by identifying potential quantum applications across Australian industries. Through an extensive literature review – encompassing government reports, market analyses, academic publications, and insights from the quantum industry – this study provides a comprehensive snapshot of potential use cases for quantum technologies across Australia’s economic landscape. This initial analysis serves as a foundational step in assessing quantum readiness across Australian industries. By identifying promising quantum applications and their potential impact, it aims to inform strategic planning for quantum readiness, guiding key stakeholders within the Australian Quantum Ecosystem, including government, quantum technology end-users, and the quantum technology developers.
