On January 24, 2025, researchers, diplomats, and industry leaders gathered at the Austrian Foreign Ministry for the launch of the Quantum TechDiplomacyTalks series. This initiative, co-organized by the Austrian Ministry for European and International Affairs, Quantum Science Austria, and the Innsbruck Quantum Ethics Lab, set the stage for a year-long discussion on the intersection of quantum technology, geopolitics, security, and ethics. The event was moderated by Claudia Reinprecht (Austrian Ministry for European and International Affairs), who guided the discussions, ensuring a dynamic and engaging exchange between speakers and participants.Under the theme “Beyond the Digital Age: Dimensions of TechDiplomacy in a Quantum World”, the event explored how emerging quantum technologies are reshaping global power dynamics and the role diplomacy must play in ensuring their responsible development.
A landmark year for quantum and diplomacy
The kickoff event took place within the framework of the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, which highlights 100 years of quantum mechanics and its profound impact on science, industry, and society. Elisabeth Kornfeind (Director General Ambassador) opened the event by emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in navigating the challenges and opportunities of quantum technology. She underlined Austria’s commitment to fostering international cooperation while addressing security concerns in this rapidly evolving field.
The state of quantum science and policy
Two keynote speeches followed, which provided important information on quantum research, politics and international cooperation.
Gregor Weihs (Vice-Rector for Research, University of Innsbruck & Director of Research of Quantum Science Austria) outlined Austria’s role as a global leader in quantum research, emphasizing the country’s strong scientific ecosystem and commitment to both fundamental research and real-world applications.
Tommaso Calarco (European Quantum Community Network, University of Cologne & Forschungszentrum Jülich) provided a European perspective, discussing the progress of the EU Quantum Flagship and how Europe positions itself in the global quantum landscape. He stressed the importance of balancing international collaboration with strategic autonomy in a rapidly shifting geopolitical climate.
Panel discussion: Quantum at the intersection of science, security, and industry
Following the keynotes, a panel discussion brought together experts from research, industry, and policy to explore the broader implications of quantum technology. Moderated by Claudia Reinprecht, the discussion focused on security, industrial development, and governance.
Francesca Ferlaino (quantA, University of Innsbruck & IQOQI, Austrian Academy of Sciences) provided an overview of the four pillars of quantum technology—quantum computing, sensing, communication, and metrology—emphasizing their potential applications and challenges.
Jörg Schmiedmayer (quantA, TU Wien & European Quantum Community Network) reflected on the delicate balance between open scientific collaboration and the growing emphasis on research security. He argued that scientific progress thrives on openness but acknowledged the increasing pressure for national governments to regulate access to cutting-edge knowledge.
Daniel Hikes-Wurm (Austrian Ministry of Defence) outlined the defense and security aspects of quantum technology, particularly in cryptography, sensing, and intelligence. He highlighted NATO’s growing focus on quantum and the strategic need to prepare for potential threats posed by future quantum advancements.
Laure Le Bars (SAP, European Quantum Industry Consortium - QuIC) provided insight into Europe’s industrial strategy in quantum, stressing the importance of public-private collaboration, regulatory clarity, and ensuring that European quantum companies remain competitive on a global scale.
Matthias C. Kettemann (University of Innsbruck, Quantum Ethics Lab) focused on the governance and ethical challenges of quantum technology, advocating for an anticipatory and inclusive approach to regulation. He emphasized the need for global cooperation to ensure that quantum technology benefits all societies rather than exacerbating technological inequalities.
Looking ahead: A call for strategic engagement
The Quantum TechDiplomacyTalks series will continue throughout the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, diving deeper into key topics such as quantum security, industrial policy, and global governance frameworks. Austria, with its strong research base and diplomatic expertise, aims to position itself as a key player in shaping the future of quantum diplomacy.
As the event concluded, participants were invited to continue discussions in informal networking sessions, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders in navigating the quantum era.
This first Quantum TechDiplomacyTalk set a strong precedent, highlighting the transformative potential of quantum technologies while acknowledging the complex diplomatic and security challenges they present. The ongoing dialogue will be crucial in ensuring that quantum technology develops in a way that is secure, ethical, and beneficial for all.