By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Finland has called for the
upcoming European Union Quantum Act to help European companies develop,
commercialise and scale quantum technologies, reduce unnecessary red tape and
mobilise investment across the innovation chain, from research to industrial scale.
Lauri Hirvonen, Finland’s
Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU, said Europe’s leadership in quantum
technology should be reflected in the forthcoming legislation, stressing the
need to translate the region’s scientific strengths into global industrial
leadership.
“Europe is a leader in
quantum technology. It is important that this is reflected in the upcoming
Quantum Act,” Hirvonen said.
He made the remarks
following a briefing titled “The EU Quantum Act – Scaling Competitiveness in
Practice”, organised at the Finnish Permanent Representation to the EU in
collaboration with IQM Quantum Computers, Bluefors, Technology Industries of
Finland and VTT.
The briefing brought
together European policymakers, industry leaders and quantum experts to discuss
how Europe could strengthen its position in quantum technology and translate
research capabilities into commercial and industrial growth.
The event featured opening
remarks by European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen,
followed by contributions from Member of the European Parliament Aura Salla,
IQM Quantum Computers Chief Executive Officer Jan Goetz, Bluefors Chief Executive
Officer Kim Povlsen, VTT Executive Vice President Erja Turunen, CSC and other
representatives from the sector.
Hirvonen said Finland had a
strong quantum ecosystem bringing together world-class research, innovative
companies and advanced technological capabilities. He noted that the challenge
was to build on these strengths and help Europe develop and scale technologies
that would shape the future.
“Europe must be more than a
user of future technologies. We must develop them, commercialise them and scale
them here in Europe,” he said.
He described the upcoming
Quantum Act as an important opportunity to turn that ambition into action,
calling for measures that would enable European companies to grow, create a
more attractive business environment and encourage investment throughout the innovation
chain.
According to Hirvonen, the
idea for the briefing took shape six months earlier during a visit to Finland’s
LUMI supercomputer facility. He said months of preparation and close
cooperation with partners had made it possible to convene stakeholders for the
discussion.
Hirvonen also welcomed
coverage of Finland’s quantum ecosystem and the discussion by POLITICO Europe,
which described Finland as “a key player in the technology”.
He thanked the
co-organisers, speakers and participants for contributing to the discussion on
Europe’s quantum future.
